Chapter 13: Xue Meng's Provocation

“Since we cannot stop them, we must respect their choice.”

Although Long Fei had long anticipated such an ending, when he truly witnessed the scene before him, he could not help but feel a deep sadness in his heart.

If even a dog can live with such dignity, how much more so for a human being.

“Hey, hey, hey, what’s going on here? How can the military dogs suddenly go on a hunger strike? Did you cut their food rations or something?”

Guo Yudong had come here with a mission, and upon seeing the situation, he certainly wouldn’t let it go.

“Shut up, don’t speak nonsense if you don’t know the facts!” Fu Zhihong said to Guo Yudong, clearly unimpressed by this slippery old soldier.

Fu Zhihong had once suspected Long Fei of doing something to these meritorious dogs, but after learning the truth last time, he would not allow anyone to slander Long Fei.

The burden Long Fei bore was already heavy enough; he shouldn’t have to endure unfounded accusations.

“Weiguo, bring a stretcher!” Long Fei ignored Guo Yudong and spoke to Su Weiguo.

“Yes, sir!” Su Weiguo turned and walked away at Long Fei’s command.

They carried Chasewind, once again arriving at this desolate and mysterious place.

“You must all be curious why I brought both Beibei and Chasewind here for cremation!”

“This place is called Wolf Beach. It was once the position of Company One, and here lies the blood and spirits of our predecessors.”

“In Company One, there is an unwritten rule: all loyal dogs must ascend from here, so that they may remain closer to us.”

“This is something outsiders have no right to know.”

“I’m telling you this today for two reasons: first, Company One is about to disband; second, so Guo Yudong can complete his mission.”

Long Fei looked at everyone and spoke.

Guo Yudong stared at Long Fei in surprise. He had indeed come with a mission and wanted to finish it quickly and leave this godforsaken place. Yet, at this moment, his heart felt unbearably heavy.

Now he finally understood why the corpses of those previously inexplicably deceased meritorious dogs had disappeared.

The familiar rituals, the familiar scene, yet everyone felt unsettled.

After cremating Chasewind, Long Fei left Wolf Beach.

“The Company Commander said you came here with a mission. What do you want?”

Xue Meng looked at Guo Yudong and asked fiercely.

“I... I don’t want anything!” Guo Yudong answered nervously, intimidated by the burly Xue Meng.

“I warn you, if you do anything to betray Company One, my fists won’t show mercy!” Xue Meng raised his massive fists, threatening Guo Yudong.

“Since the Company Commander said your mission is done, you’d better leave soon. Company One doesn’t need people like you,” Fu Zhihong added.

Guo Yudong looked at the crowd’s hostile gazes, unable to understand what had happened in Company One. He even wondered if these people had lost their minds. This place wasn’t anything special, so why were they so eager to drive him out?

Gu Jianfeng stepped forward and explained, “You came to investigate the mysterious disappearance of the corpses of the other meritorious dogs, didn’t you?”

“How did you know?” Guo Yudong asked in surprise.

This was a secret mission entrusted to him by the Security Section, but why did it seem like everyone in Company One knew about it?

Gu Jianfeng then recounted the events surrounding Beibei in detail to Guo Yudong and the other three.

“Don’t blame everyone. These past few days, because of Beibei and Chasewind, everyone’s mood has been bleak,” Gu Jianfeng patted Guo Yudong’s shoulder gently.

“Gu, why are you pretending to be a good guy? Company One doesn’t welcome him, nor does it welcome you,”

“Since you arrived, Beibei died, and now Chasewind is gone. You caused this.”

“What’s that look? Not pleased with what I said?”

“Don’t think that just because you’re from Sirius, I, Xue Meng, will be afraid of you. If you’re not convinced, let’s settle this outside,”

Xue Meng, unable to suppress his fiery temper any longer, shouted at Gu Jianfeng.

“Mengzi, what are you getting mad for? He’s from Sirius, you’re no match for him anyway,” Su Weiguo pretended to soothe.

Hearing Su Weiguo’s words, Xue Meng lost control. Broad-shouldered and barrel-chested, he stood squarely before Gu Jianfeng, awaiting a response.

“What do you want to compete in?” Gu Jianfeng asked calmly.

“Hand-to-hand, shooting, physical fitness—take your pick!” Xue Meng declared confidently.

He had every reason to be proud. His military skills were unmatched in the Recon Company; had it not been for a few mistakes, he would be in the Special Forces now. In Company One, no one could rival him, which only fueled his arrogance.

“We’re all comrades. Martial contests can cause bad blood. Why not compete in something more civilized?” Guo Yudong quickly interjected.

Gu Jianfeng pulled Guo Yudong aside and said to Xue Meng, “It seems you’re quite confident in your hand-to-hand skills.”

“If you’re scared, grab your luggage and get out of Company One. This is the army; I won’t use brute force against you,” Xue Meng replied arrogantly.

“This place is open enough. If you insist on competing, I’ll oblige,” Gu Jianfeng responded.

“Enough already! Everyone, get back to your posts!” Fu Zhihong, seeing things getting out of hand, shouted.

“Old Fu, you don’t know how to appreciate things. Watching masters duel is a rare treat!” Su Weiguo said as he pulled Fu Zhihong aside, eager to see what kind of person came out of Sirius.

Everyone sensibly stepped back, clearing the space for Gu Jianfeng and Xue Meng.

Gu Jianfeng looked at Xue Meng, placed his right hand behind his back, and said, “Come on.”

His gesture deeply provoked Xue Meng; in all these years, he had never been looked down upon like this.

“This is going to be interesting. He’s way too arrogant. Xue Meng’s been practicing martial arts since childhood and is incredibly strong. Such underestimation will surely cost him.”

“Yes, Xue Meng’s hand-to-hand skills rank in the top three in the Border Defense Battalion. This kid is too full of himself.”

Hearing the crowd’s comments, Guo Yudong couldn’t help but worry. After all, Gu Jianfeng was standing up for him, which led to this confrontation.