A dozen or so commanding officers looked up and then shook their heads in unison.
"These four are sons of Immortals, each one incredibly powerful. This girl is my own daughter. With us, our combat power will be guaranteed, right?"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of those commanding officers instantly became complex. Not only was there no respect, but there was only scrutiny and a hint of disdain.
Clearly, they were being treated as pampered rich second-generations seeking to gain military experience and achievements on the battlefield to boost their reputations back home.
"Alright, alright, stop looking. This is also the Immortal Venerable's will. He specifically requested they go to the most dangerous battlefields. Just make the arrangements. Would the Immortal Venerable harm the frontline soldiers?"
"Since it's the Immortal Venerable's will, then we naturally have no objections. However, let's make it clear upfront: if anyone reports them for slacking off, not putting in effort, or deserting, don't blame the frontline commanders for handling it according to regulations and enforcing military law."
As he spoke, that commanding officer relayed the transfer order to Base No. 18 and also printed a hard copy of the transfer order, handing it to Wan Lei for them to liaise with Base No. 18.
With a gut full of anger, they left the command center, each with a dark expression and remaining silent.
"Oh, my precious daughter, give me a smile. You look so ugly when you frown."
Boss dotingly stroked Bao Bao's little head.
"Hmph, I can't smile. Dad, I really don't understand you. You've been in the battlefield for so many years, even if you haven't earned merit, you've certainly put in the effort. Yet, any commanding officer can look down on you. Tell me, why have you ended up like this?"
Bao Bao was pouting, her little face puffed out high.
"Why bother with those empty titles? These commanding officers were all personally trained by Wan Hong, and some were also transferred from the armies of their hometowns.
By the way, when you get to Base No. 18, be mindful of your words and actions. The commander there is called Ya. Before Wan Hong went to the Five Elements Hall, he followed Wan Hong on campaigns across the primordial continent, an outstanding talent who helped establish the human empire.
His status in the Hong Empire is second only to Wan Hong, and he is an extremely outstanding commander.
However, he has the same temper as Wan Hong. Capable, yes, but with a foul and stubborn temper. He doesn't give face to anyone, and he only listens to Wan Hong. Do you understand?"
"Understood."
Bao Bao's face was still full of displeasure.
Wan Lei, however, was a bit puzzled. The commander's name was a rare single character, just Ya. Why? Did his teeth have any special characteristics?
Carrying the transfer orders, they boarded the spaceship again and, with a gut full of anger, headed towards the space jump point.
Although the Sea of Bitterness had chaotic rules and no spiritual energy, it still possessed basic spatial laws, as it was, after all, within space.
As the space jump point flashed, they reappeared above a frontline base.
This base was much smaller than the logistics headquarters, appearing to be only about the size of Chang'an City at first glance.
It was a steel fortress, floating on the surface of the Sea of Bitterness, with tall city walls and countless defensive fortifications all around.
There were giant cannons, wave towers, machine guns, and towers that could launch lightning and flames – everything imaginable.
At the space jump point, there were officers specifically responsible for registering and accommodating newly arrived soldiers.
The officer responsible for welcoming them was neither servile nor overly respectful, nor did he show any disdain. Everything was handled professionally.
"Senior brother, I am Wan Lei, captain of the Thunder Rain squad. What is your name?"
Wan Lei stepped forward to strike up a conversation.
"Hello, my name is Kou Jun Kai. I am also a disciple of the Five Elements Hall, and I've been at Base No. 18 for over a hundred years."
The officer, Kou Jun Kai, replied with a smile.
After escorting them to register their information and confirming that the squad had indeed arrived at Base No. 18, the handover was complete.
"Let's go, I'll take you to your dormitories."
Kou Jun Kai flew towards a remote military camp in the distance.
Other soldiers' teams flew by occasionally. The half-covered armor worn by these individuals was full of traces of sword cuts and cannon fire, which were badges of their brave combat.
However, upon seeing the Five Elements Hall disciple attire worn by Wan Lei and his group, each of them revealed expressions of disdain and dissatisfaction.
Seeing Wan Lei and his group's confusion, Kou Jun Kai smiled and explained,
"You may not be fully aware, but the conflict between the army and the Five Elements Hall disciple squads at the Sea of Bitterness bases is quite deep.
Our main plane and the negative plane are engaged in a continuous war. Relying solely on the Five Elements Hall disciples is like a drop in the ocean. The Five Elements Hall is the ruler of the main plane and is responsible for the entire main plane, so all armies obey the commands of the Five Elements Hall.
The Five Elements Hall recruits the army through a mass-line approach. After all, how can an army of trillions guarantee that every single one is an elite? Numbers are also very important.
However, the Five Elements Hall recruits disciples through an elite route. You are all disciples, so you naturally know how high the assessment standards are.
But herein lies the conflict.
The Five Elements Hall disciples look down on the roughnecks in the army, believing they have poor aptitude and combat power. They see themselves as noble internal disciples of the Five Elements Hall with limitless futures, naturally unwilling to associate with these common folk.
And the Five Elements Hall army also looks down on the Five Elements Hall disciples, believing that we are all flowers grown in a greenhouse, developing only through the sect's foundation. How can we compare to the combat achievements they earn by fighting the demon race with real swords and guns?
In their view, we greenhouse flowers are not even fit to be on the battlefield. They think we brag a lot in our daily lives but will tremble in fear during large-scale battles.
It's better for those like me who directly applied to serve in the army. Once in the army, I am a soldier, and I participate in daily training. All standards are the same as for soldiers, so they are more accepting.
But it's different for adventure squads like yours. You don't participate in training daily and can move freely. Whether you go out or scavenge, you don't need the approval of the army commanders. Commanders only issue orders when there are tasks.
They are certainly unhappy, feeling that you are too free and undisciplined, lacking the appearance of soldiers, and only bringing disgrace to the frontline army.
Over time, conflict arises."
Wan Lei nodded upon hearing this and asked again,
"Is there no way to resolve this? We all live in the same base, seeing each other constantly. What's the point of meeting like enemies every day?"
Kou Jun Kai smiled upon hearing this,
"That's also simple. These people are all unrefined fellows, only recognizing strength. You just need to defeat them.
Then, during the war, you need to achieve stronger combat results than them. Over time, they will naturally respect you."