Jiang Wuming, along with the other members of the Battle Dragon squad, had arrived?
The words of Huangfu Weixia echoed in their ears as they watched the roaring armed helicopters. Both the students present and the faculty, led by Ren Xiaoyao, were stunned into silence.
Before the graduation ceremony, everyone had anticipated Jiang Wuming's attendance.
Even Ren Xiaoyao himself had wished to see Jiang Wuming stand on the training ground and deliver a speech to the graduates, with his father Jiang Zhan's statue as a backdrop.
However—
To avoid disrupting Jiang Wuming's work, Ren Xiaoyao had ultimately rejected the proposal to invite him to the graduation ceremony.
The entire faculty and student body of Donghai Martial Arts Academy were aware of this.
In other words, apart from Huangfu Weixia, no one else knew, nor had they even considered, that Jiang Wuming would appear today!
“It’s… it’s the Battle Dragon squad’s armed helicopters!”
“Teacher Wuming is here!”
After a brief silence, the training ground erupted like a boiling cauldron, instantly becoming a frenzy.
Whether it was the seniors standing on the ground or the juniors and sophomores watching from the periphery, they all saw the national flag on the armed helicopters, as well as the Battle Dragon squad's banner. Coupled with Huangfu Weixia's earlier words, they understood instantly and became as excited as if they had been injected with adrenaline.
At the same time, the teachers of Donghai Martial Arts Academy, including Xia Xueqin, looked at Ren Xiaoyao with expressions of surprise, as if asking: Dean, didn't you say you weren't inviting Wuming?
Ren Xiaoyao shook his head with a wry smile.
Seeing this, Xia Xueqin and the others suddenly understood—Jiang Wuming and the Battle Dragon squad were not invited by Ren Xiaoyao!
Upon realizing this, Xia Xueqin and the others were as excited as the students.
This was because they knew very well what Jiang Wuming represented to the students of Donghai Martial Arts Academy and in their hearts—Jiang Wuming's participation in the students' graduation ceremony was the best graduation gift, one that would bring them immense encouragement!
Subsequently, under the expectant gazes of the excited teachers and students, the Battle Dragon squad's armed helicopters hovered over the training ground and then slowly descended beside Jiang Zhan's statue at the entrance.
Jiang Wuming, Qin Xiaozhi, Xing Tian, and Dongfang Xiaoyao, all in full combat gear, emerged from the armed helicopters one after another.
“Damn, it’s really Brother Wuming!”
Chu Feng was the first to roar with excitement.
“Brother Wuming!”
“Master!”
Xia Dong, Su Qiang, and Xiao Han also shouted with excitement, their voices choked.
However—
Their voices were instantly drowned out.
“Teacher Wuming!”
“Gun God Xiaozhi is here too!”
For a moment, the students went wild, shouting with excitement, and the scene completely erupted!
This was because Jiang Wuming had now thoroughly become the pride, idol, and even spiritual beacon in the hearts of Donghai Martial Arts Academy's students—any battle Jiang Wuming participated in was destined to be won!
“Salute.”
Facing the thunderous cheers, Jiang Wuming, along with Qin Xiaozhi, Dongfang Xiaoyao, and Xing Tian, returned the salute to all the faculty and students.
Swish, swish, swish…
Seeing the actions of Jiang Wuming and the other three, the students, as if under a spell, instantly stopped shouting and returned the salute to Jiang Wuming and his companions in unison.
Even the teachers, like Xia Xueqin, at the very front of the training ground, returned the salute.
Only Ren Xiaoyao did not.
Under the morning sun, the old man watched Jiang Wuming and his three companions stand before his father's statue, exchanging salutes with the faculty and students. His body trembled uncontrollably as if struck by electricity. A look of relief spread across his face, his eyes slightly moist—this was the scene he had dreamed of, and it was now a reality!
Subsequently, Jiang Wuming lowered his arm and, with Qin Xiaozhi, Xing Tian, and Dongfang Xiaoyao, entered the training ground and walked towards Ren Xiaoyao and the others.
Seeing this, Huangfu Weixia did not join them.
From the moment she called Jiang Wuming about the graduation ceremony, to her appearance on stage just now, and up to this moment, she had never considered seeking special treatment.
Today, she was merely a graduating senior of Donghai Martial Arts Academy!
Under the watchful eyes of the faculty and students, Jiang Wuming and his three companions walked directly to Ren Xiaoyao.
“Grandpa Ren, Weixia told me about the graduation ceremony. I learned about the students’ wishes and decided to attend their graduation ceremony. Originally, I wanted to call you, but Weixia said she wanted to give the students a surprise, so she didn’t inform you in advance,” Jiang Wuming said with a smile to Ren Xiaoyao. “As for affecting work, you don't need to worry. I've brought my comrades. If there's an urgent mission, we can depart from here, and it's all the same.”
“Good, good, good.”
The old man stepped forward, placed his hands on the young man's shoulders, and said "good" three times in a row.
Then, Jiang Wuming greeted Xia Xueqin and the other teachers, “Aunt Xia, honored teachers, long time no see.”
“Teacher Wuming, it’s great that you could come today!”
The dean of students spoke first and then continued to act as the host, announcing loudly, “Students, let us welcome Teacher Wuming and the entire Battle Dragon squad with warm applause as they attend our graduation ceremony!”
“Clap, clap, clap…”
Instantly, thunderous applause erupted, as if it would shake the heavens.
The applause lasted for a full minute.
When the applause ended, Jiang Wuming said, “Grandpa Ren, you proceed according to the planned schedule. I’ll just say a few words to the students at the end.”
“Teacher Wuming, we had Weixia share her combat experience in the Battle Dragon squad earlier. She said that you and the other members of the Battle Dragon squad would share,” the dean of students said.
“Weixia, since the graduation ceremony arrangements include your sharing, you may share. Also, Brother Zhi, after Weixia finishes, you should also say a few words,” Jiang Wuming directed his gaze towards Huangfu Weixia and then added.
Jiang Wuming could see that Qin Xiaozhi was very popular among the students, and his experiences were very inspiring.
As for Xing Tian and Dongfang Xiaoyao, neither of them was good with words.
“Yes, Captain!”
Huangfu Weixia and Qin Xiaozhi acknowledged almost simultaneously.
Jiang Wuming said no more, leading Qin Xiaozhi, Xing Tian, and Dongfang Xiaoyao to stand behind Ren Xiaoyao, ceding the stage to Huangfu Weixia.
“Students, originally I wanted Teacher Wuming and his comrades to share their combat experience, but Teacher Wuming ordered me to share, so I will say a few words,” Huangfu Weixia said slowly, standing in front of the student formation. “Cruelty, teamwork, and effort. These are the three points I have felt after joining the Battle Dragon squad and participating in combat.
Firstly, combat is extremely cruel. It is completely different from our usual martial arts sparring; life and death can be decided in an instant. A slight mistake, and you could be killed by the enemy!
Secondly, combat requires teamwork. Whether it was the battle at Mount Putuo or the battle at the Martial God Pharmaceutical Research Institute, the Battle Dragon squad relied on teamwork to achieve victory.
Lastly, the strength of the extraterrestrial enemies is formidable. Among the younger generation of martial artists on Earth, no one has yet broken through to the Three-Star Martial God realm, but in the extraterrestrial world, this is common. We must take Teacher Wuming as our role model, strive tirelessly, and improve our strength to defeat the enemy!
My sharing has concluded. Thank you, everyone!”
As her words fell, Huangfu Weixia bowed to the rostrum and then to the students below.
“Clap, clap, clap…”
Immediately, Huangfu Weixia stepped down amidst thunderous applause and walked towards the student formation.
“Students, after the battle at Mount Putuo, the title ‘Gun God Xiaozhi’ became famous throughout Dragon Country and even the global martial arts world! Do you want to hear Lieutenant Colonel Qin Xiaozhi, the deputy captain of the Battle Dragon squad, share his combat experience?”
As Huangfu Weixia stepped down, the dean of students once again took charge of the graduation ceremony.
“Yes!”
The students responded in unison.
As the dean of students had said, Qin Xiaozhi had now become a prominent figure in Dragon Country and even the global martial arts world.
“Next, let us welcome Lieutenant Colonel Qin Xiaozhi, the deputy captain of the Battle Dragon squad, to the stage with warm applause to speak!” the dean of students announced.
“Clap, clap, clap…”
A tidal wave of applause erupted once more.
Qin Xiaozhi strode forward and stood firm. After the applause subsided, he slowly began to speak.
“When Captain asked me to share combat experience with you just now, I was stunned. I never thought that I, Qin Xiaozhi, would one day be able to share combat experience at Donghai Martial Arts Academy, this sacred hall of Oriental martial arts. I never even imagined I would have the chance to set foot in this hall of martial arts in my lifetime.”
Under the gaze of all faculty and students, Qin Xiaozhi, wearing his combat uniform and his signature custom sniper rifle on his back, stood on the stage and spoke sincerely:
“I don’t know if any of you have heard my story. I’ll take this opportunity to share it with you.
When I was a teenager, my grandfather dreamed that I would be admitted to Donghai Martial Arts Academy.
But for him, it was just a dream.
Because my martial arts talent was very poor, worse than all of you.
But my grandfather was unwilling, and he still hoped that I could inherit the Qin family tradition, join the military, and serve the country—he sent me to the Western Army Corps of the Military Department.
I joined a reconnaissance squad, where I was at the bottom of the barrel. Every time we executed a mission, I could only be a burden.
On the last mission, my teammates sacrificed their lives to create an opportunity for me to escape.
At that moment, I hated myself, hated myself for being too weak, hated myself for not being able to kill the enemy, not being able to save my comrades, and could only watch them die!
I escaped successfully, reported the news to my superiors, and then, due to some misunderstanding, I became a deserter, was expelled from the Military Department, and became a disgrace to the Qin family. I even became a wanted criminal by the Military Department.
I had to leave my beloved homeland, and then I met the person who changed my destiny—he is your Teacher Wuming, my captain, and my brother!
While drunk one day, I told him about my dream, and he believed that I would achieve my dream one day.
From that day on, I constantly worked hard to improve myself.
You all know that my marksmanship is excellent.
Yes, I possess absolute shooting intuition.
Besides diligently practicing my marksmanship, I also practiced martial arts.
Although I knew my martial arts talent was poor, I tried every possible way to improve my martial arts cultivation.
In addition, I also deeply studied combat command.
After several years of hard work, I improved myself, but I was still far from my dream.
Until I joined the Battle Dragon squad.
Well, you should all know that among Dragon Country’s five guardian squads, I am the weakest. I was even questioned and ridiculed at the ceremony establishing the guardian squads.
Facing the doubts and ridicule, I was powerless to refute, but Captain strongly supported me and gave me a great gift—a specially made sniper rifle!
You all know the rest of the story, so I won’t elaborate.
I’ve rambled on quite a bit, but I actually want to convey two points.
First, thank my captain, my brother—Jiang Wuming. Without him, there would be no Qin Xiaozhi today!
Second, dreams. We all have dreams, and everyone’s dream seems out of reach, but as long as you work hard, you will get closer and closer to your dream, and perhaps you will create a miracle in the end!
Hold onto your dreams, and always be young!
This is for you. Thank you!”
Like Huangfu Weixia, Qin Xiaozhi bowed to the students after speaking.
“Clap, clap, clap…”
Hearing Qin Xiaozhi’s heartfelt words, the students below felt the flames of their own dreams reignited and clapped in unison, expressing their gratitude to Qin Xiaozhi.
Amidst the thunderous applause, Qin Xiaozhi returned to his position, and Jiang Wuming walked to the center of the rostrum.
The entire venue quieted down once more.
Everyone was curious and expectant, eager to hear what Jiang Wuming would say.
“My time at Donghai Martial Arts Academy was brief, but I am honored to have been your teacher, and I am delighted to have spent this short, wonderful time with you,” Jiang Wuming said slowly, under the expectant gaze of the faculty and students.
“When I decided to attend your graduation ceremony, I kept thinking about what I should say to you.
In the end, I decided to share the oath of entry for the guardian squads.”
As he spoke, Jiang Wuming paused, and the faculty and students held their breath.
“If darkness descends,
And the motherland and people call,
I will stand before millions,
With saber against the abyss, sworn to protect!!”
The next moment.
The young man looked at the students below, at his father's statue at the entrance of the training ground, and recited the oath, his voice echoing through the heavens.
The students were profoundly shaken, feeling as if these simple words were a call from the depths of their souls, igniting their blood.
At the same time, a terrifying energy fluctuation suddenly appeared on the training ground!
…
ps: A large chapter.