Chapter 1746: Chapter 1746: Phoenix’s Warning
(26th update)
Fortunately, Luo Ziling’s reaction was quick, and he grabbed the railing.
The Phoenix beside him also held on to his arm.
Everything turned out to be a false alarm.
After more than half an hour of struggle, all the evacuees were successfully ferried to the Escort Ship through four lifeboats lowered from the ship. Once on board, they didn’t need to use rope ladders; the ship’s machinery could lift the entire lifeboat onto the deck.
The Phoenix and Shanque were the first to ascend to the deck, then assisted Luo Ziling and Lin Lan to come up.
Once all their personnel were aboard the Escort Ship, everyone was welcomed into the cabin to rest.
Two colonels with two bars and three stars on their shoulders, accompanied by a few lieutenant colonels and majors, came to greet them.
The officers and crew on the warship did not actually know who they were picking up; they only knew it was members of a special operations task force.
However, the captain of the Marine Corps squad stationed on the ship recognized a member of Dragon Rise.
It turned out that this Marine Corps captain had previously trained with this Dragon Rise member. They both participated in the Dragon Rise selection, but the captain was not chosen, while the other person was successfully selected for Dragon Rise.
Although being selected for Dragon Rise is a highly classified affair, as someone who experienced it firsthand, the Marine Corps captain had some understanding of the situation. Upon realizing they were receiving special operations personnel and seeing his old comrade, the captain immediately knew who these people were.
During the mutual salutes, greetings, and thanks between both parties, the captain specifically approached the Dragon Rise member and gave him a solemn military salute to express his respect.
Dragon Rise is regarded as god-like by all special operations personnel. Picking up so many Dragon Rise members this time naturally astonished the captain, and it filled him with respect. He knew that such a large-scale operation by Dragon Rise could not be for an ordinary mission.
When Dragon Rise takes action, it is always successful, and this time would certainly be no different.
Therefore, in the simplest yet most solemn way as a soldier, he expressed his profound respect.
After settling all the Dragon Rise members, the captain of the Escort Ship and the political officer found the Marine Corps captain to inquire about the situation; they wanted to know who exactly they were picking up.
Of course, they also realized that these people were special forces soldiers, and this was evident from the menacing aura emanating from them. The captain and the political officer shared the same impression of an imposing killing intent when they saw the Dragon Rise members.
Even though they were also battle-hardened soldiers with considerable ranks, they were slightly taken aback by the aura of these team members.
“They are the nation’s sharpest weapon, Dragon Rise members,” the Marine Corps captain eventually could not keep the secret and informed the captain and the political officer about the situation.
Ordinary soldiers are not aware of what “Dragon Rise” is; even the captain and political officer who have always served in the navy did not know much about Dragon Rise. They had only vaguely heard of such a mysterious unit. It was only after the captain’s explanation that they understood.
However, they dared not inquire about anything from the Phoenix and others, only harboring more respect for these special force elites.
After picking up the Dragon Rise members, the Escort Ship immediately changed course, heading toward a northern port.
By the time the Dragon Rise members boarded the warship, it was approaching dawn.
After settling in, the morning sun had already risen above the horizon.
Although Luo Ziling had been busy all night, he didn’t feel like sleeping. Instead, he went out of the cabin to look at the deck.
Right at the door, he encountered Phoenix, and the two walked to the deck together.
The duty sailor did not stop them.
“The ship’s speed is 35 knots, and the distance to the port is over two thousand kilometers. That means we will have to sail for two days before reaching the shore,” Phoenix explained before asking Luo Ziling, “If Lin Lan needs to get ashore quickly, I can request the captain to send a helicopter to take you and Lin Lan ashore first.”
One knot equals one nautical mile per hour, and one nautical mile is approximately 1852 meters. At this speed, it will take about two days to reach the northern port. Phoenix was worried Luo Ziling might be anxious, so she asked for his input on whether they should use a helicopter to get him and Lin Lan ashore first.
“Lin Lan should be fine, and it won’t delay her treatment. I brought enough medical equipment and medication.” Luo Ziling naturally wanted to return to Yanjing as soon as possible, which would be beneficial for both him and Lin Lan. But he knew that using a helicopter from the Escort Ship was quite a significant affair. Therefore, he declined Phoenix’s suggestion. “Let’s take the warship back to the port. Anyway, I’ve never traveled on a warship before, so it’s a learning experience.”
“It’s up to you then,” Phoenix did not insist but made another suggestion, “Let’s go to the communications room later and inform your mother and father that you’re safe. The place where we will land is within your father’s jurisdiction.”
“Alright,” Luo Ziling agreed to Phoenix’s request.
After chatting for a while, the two went to the communications room and used wireless equipment to call Ling Ruonan in Yanjing.
After last night’s events, Ling Ruonan received no calls from Luo Ziling and was worried about his situation, feeling anxious. Early in the morning, when she received a call from Luo Ziling and heard that everything was safe, she immediately felt relieved.
But Luo Ziling didn’t call Luo Xusheng. He knew Ling Ruonan would definitely inform Luo Xusheng about it.
Upon leaving the communications room, Phoenix did not return to her resting place but stayed with Luo Ziling.
“In this operation, we seriously injured two team members and lightly injured several others, but fortunately, no one was killed.” When saying this, Phoenix looked gratefully at Luo Ziling, “Thanks to the medications you provided, our comrades received timely treatment.”
“Didn’t you say someone died?”
“That was before!”
“Alright, as long as no one was killed!” Luo Ziling felt more at ease.
“This operation dismantled the Sankou Group’s foundation. From now on, this old school criminal group will no longer have the influence it once had,” Phoenix casually mentioned the matter, “Just remember this: our operation was because the Sankou Group opposed us, infringing on Huaxia’s interests, as well as causing losses to Dragon Rise. Their aggression towards us continues, so we had no choice but to act. We didn’t help you with anything.”
Luo Ziling looked at Phoenix with a slight surprise but soon understood her meaning, “I understand, thank you for the reminder.”
“If nothing unexpected happens, your father should soon take up a position within Dragon Rise,” Phoenix calmly looked at Luo Ziling, “You should know that if there are rumors saying Dragon Rise is helping you, it would be detrimental to your father’s appointment.”
Hearing this, Luo Ziling’s heart skipped a beat.
Perhaps there could indeed be trouble arising from this point.