Hearing Huang Yuhua's serious tone, Han Lang immediately perked up and replied.
“If there are any mission arrangements, please issue your orders, Commander Huang!”
Huang Yuhua did not stand on ceremony and said immediately.
“It’s like this. According to the latest intelligence from headquarters, in addition to preparing for war here and on the southwestern front, the ability users also plan to dispatch small-scale teams to infiltrate Xia Country from other locations. The approximate infiltration points are likely along our northwestern border with Bai Xiang Country.”
“Therefore, to thwart their secret infiltration plan, headquarters intends to dispatch a capable small team. During the meeting, I recommended you and the First Battalion led by Tang Geng. Would you be willing to accept this mission?”
Upon hearing this, Han Lang pondered for a moment before firmly replying.
“However, Commander Huang, aren’t we also preparing for war against the ability users on the main front? In the past three months, Tang Geng and I have made significant breakthroughs in our strength. We are confident that we can play a greater role on the main front. Therefore…”
Before Han Lang could finish, Huang Yuhua quickly waved his hand to stop him.
“I understand your point. It’s true, with your cultivation now infinitely close to the mid-stage Golden Core and Tang Geng and Zhao Wu’s solid early-stage Golden Core strength, you could indeed form a powerful force on the main front. But the current problem is that although the ability user army is restless, it’s uncertain if a full-scale war will break out. Furthermore, other battalion-level units would struggle to field a team with such comprehensive strength and tacit coordination. If we were to draw personnel from various units, it would be detrimental to the mission. Do you understand what I mean?”
Looking at Huang Yuhua’s earnest gaze, Han Lang’s heart stirred.
He seemed to have completely grasped Huang Yuhua’s intention.
While the entire army was entering a state of readiness, this battle might not necessarily commence.
This meant that soldiers who relied on battlefield merits for promotion might not gain new merits in this potential conflict.
In contrast, intercepting another small group of infiltrating ability users presented a more achievable path to earning merits.
This was undoubtedly Huang Yuhua deliberately looking out for them.
Furthermore,
Objectively speaking, Han Lang and his companions were indeed more suited for such a mission.
Firstly, their strengths were relatively close, and they cooperated seamlessly. It would be difficult to find better candidates in other teams.
Secondly, even if major battles broke out on the main front and the southwestern front, the troops were sufficiently prepared.
At least this interception mission was definitely feasible.
At this juncture, the threat of a secret invasion along the border with Bai Xiang Country was more pressing.
If another team were dispatched and failed to intercept them, the situation would escalate uncontrollably.
Therefore, from all perspectives, Han Lang and the others were indeed more suitable to accept this mission.
With these thoughts, Han Lang no longer hesitated and immediately agreed.
“No problem, then let me and Tang Geng lead the brothers of the First Battalion to carry out the interception!”
However, as soon as Han Lang agreed, Huang Yuhua shook his head again.
“No! The First Battalion cannot go!”
Hearing this, even Tang Geng was surprised.
“The First Battalion isn’t going? Then are you planning to send Han Lang alone, Commander Huang?”
Huang Yuhua was somewhat exasperated.
“Sigh! That’s not it. According to our intelligence, the enemy’s secret infiltration force is not large. It should only consist of one SSS-class ability user leading thirty to forty S-class ability users. Therefore, an entire battalion is unnecessary. Hence, there’s no need to deploy the entire First Battalion. Bringing Zhao Wu’s company, along with Tang Qin and Ma Long, should be sufficient. With your combined strength, intercepting a single SSS-class ability user should be manageable, right?”
Han Lang and Tang Geng exchanged glances, unsure of Huang Yuhua’s true intentions.
“In terms of strength, the five of us can indeed handle an SSS-class ability user. However, the border between Bai Xiang Country and us is so long. If we lack manpower, how can we conduct the search?”
Huang Yuhua replied.
“You don’t need to worry about that at all. We have sentry posts at vulnerable infiltration points along the border with Bai Xiang Country. As long as they attempt to enter, they absolutely cannot escape our sight. It’s just that the stationed soldiers there are few, and their strength is insufficient to handle the situation. Zhao Wu’s company has many soldiers in the late stage of Foundation Establishment, including a few outstanding Golden Core stage warriors. They are more than enough to deal with this crisis. Rest assured!”
Hearing Huang Yuhua’s explanation, Han Lang and Tang Geng finally felt completely at ease.
“If that’s the case, then we have no other issues. The leadership of the remaining soldiers of the First Battalion will be temporarily handed over to the deputy battalion commander.”
Huang Yuhua nodded, about to affirm, when Liu Xiaoxiao suddenly spoke.
“Actually, there’s a special reason for sending you to intercept this time!”
Han Lang and Tang Geng quickly asked, “What reason?”
Liu Xiaoxiao did not keep them in suspense and said immediately.
“According to our intelligence, the leader of the secret force dispatched by the ability users, an SSS-class ability user, is an old acquaintance of yours, the one that Old Huang and I had to fully contain last time. You mentioned before that you seemed to have a personal vendetta against him, right?”
Han Lang and Tang Geng were shocked.
“Are you saying that the enemy leader is the same Gou Tuizhi from last time?”
Liu Xiaoxiao smiled.
“I don’t know what his name is. But judging by how eager he was to kill you last time, it should be him! The organization decided to send you because it considers that you understand each other better, thus increasing the chances of successfully completing the mission!”
Upon hearing Liu Xiaoxiao confirm their suspicion, Tang Geng and Han Lang no longer hesitated.
“Alright! We will take full responsibility for this mission! That Gou Tuizhi from last time was actually a survivor from the ability user base we dismantled in Le City. Indeed, sending us is more appropriate!”
Hearing this, Huang Yuhua and Liu Xiaoxiao finally nodded with complete reassurance.
Finally, Huang Yuhua, as if suddenly remembering something, said again.
“Oh, right. I almost forgot. This time, in addition to intercepting the Gou Tuizhi you mentioned, you have another special mission!”
“What mission?”
Huang Yuhua paused and then said again.
“Our intelligence received another less certain piece of information. It is rumored that a scientist from the ability users will accompany Gou Tuizhi into Bai Xiang Country! Bai Xiang Country plans to collaborate with this scientist to open up a new battlefield along the border between Bai Xiang Country and us. Therefore, they might establish a new large-scale ability user base somewhere near the border line. So, if conditions permit, you can choose to infiltrate Bai Xiang Country to investigate and see if this news is true!”
As Huang Yuhua spoke, Liu Xiaoxiao added a reminder.
“Remember! This mission is only for investigation; do not venture too deep alone. If that ability user scientist has indeed established an ability user base with the assistance of Bai Xiang Country, we have no idea what dangers lie within! Therefore, for your safety, be sure not to alert them!”
Hearing this, Han Lang and Tang Geng nodded in unison.
“Don’t worry! We will complete this mission based on the situation. If they have indeed established a base, we will only investigate their exact location and will not alert them!”
Hearing this assurance, Liu Xiaoxiao finally felt completely at ease.
Huang Yuhua then announced.
“Alright! Does anyone else have any questions? If not, we shall adjourn!”