Chapter 23: Volunteering for the Task

When the war of resistance reached its later stages, Japan was facing severe shortages in both population and resources.

As a result, they began developing biological and nuclear weapons.

The Nu Mountain range was one of their secret bases for nuclear weapons research at that time.

Yet even after the founding of our nation, we never uncovered the exact location of that secret base.

In recent years, the J65 area has seen recurring reports of deaths and mutations among people and animals, but we've managed to keep things under control.

Hearing you talk about this, I wonder if the nuclear leakage from that base has become much more serious.

Yu Hongyang spoke up to explain.

"This matter can't be delayed!" Long Fei said, his tone urgent.

"Everyone knows that, but we've been searching for decades and still haven't found the base," Yu Hongyang replied, a hint of helplessness in his voice. "Back then, we invested countless manpower and resources to find it, but gained nothing."

Long Fei was momentarily speechless at Yu Hongyang's words.

To have so much strength, yet nowhere to use it—it's a bitter feeling.

"Commander, shouldn't we evacuate everyone from this area?" After a moment, Long Fei couldn't help but speak up.

"Whatever you're thinking, the state has already considered. If it hasn't been done, there must be many reasons," Yu Hongyang said in a deep voice. "A simple evacuation—do you realize how many factors that involves?"

"No matter the complications, the safety of the people can't be ignored!" Long Fei shouted.

"That's outrageous!" Yu Hongyang slammed the table, anger flaring. "What do you think the country is? We are soldiers of the people. Whenever the people are in danger, we are ready to pay any price to help them through."

"Enough, I'll report this matter to the higher-ups."

Yu Hongyang truly didn't know how to deal with Long Fei, stubborn as a rock.

"Commander, Captain, please calm down. If there's an issue, let's sit and discuss it properly," Gu Jianfeng interjected, seeing the tension rise. "Arguing won't solve anything!"

"I'm not interested in arguing with him," Yu Hongyang replied.

The pressing issue now is to quickly uncover the source. Commander, let me give it a try," Gu Jianfeng offered after thinking it over.

"Are you out of your mind? Just you alone?" Yu Hongyang rolled his eyes.

"We have no other options right now. Let me try; it won't affect the bigger picture," Gu Jianfeng said with a smile.

"You’re not wrong, but searching for a needle in a haystack without any clues is just wishful thinking," Yu Hongyang conceded. After all, the nation had invested so much and still found nothing.

In truth, Gu Jianfeng wanted to take on the task partly in hopes of luck. In his previous life, the first signs of the nuclear leak had been in a mountain, and this uncanny resemblance pushed him to try.

"Alright, be careful. Remember to take protective measures," Yu Hongyang reminded him.

Gu Jianfeng nodded with a smile, though he didn't give much thought to the current protective measures. His soul power was his best defense, which was why, despite severe radiation in the future, people could still survive.

Yu Hongyang turned to a cabinet, took out a document folder, and handed it to Gu Jianfeng. "These are all the materials on the case. Read them here. When you’re done, not a word is to leave this room, or you’ll face military law."

"Understood," Gu Jianfeng replied, fully aware of the gravity of the matter. Mishandling it could easily lead to panic and even greater disaster.

"Madman, do you really have a plan?" On the way back, Long Fei asked Gu Jianfeng, who was sitting in the front passenger seat.

"The country searched for years and found nothing. What could I possibly do?" Gu Jianfeng smiled.

"Then why were you so confident just now?" Long Fei asked, helpless.

"Even if it's like fishing for a needle in the sea, it's better than doing nothing. After all, I'm a soldier. I don't like empty talk—I simply feel this is what I should do," Gu Jianfeng answered sincerely.

"You’re better than me," Long Fei said with feeling.

Back at Company One, everyone was asking about Xue Meng and Xie Yidao. After all, they were injured because of others; with their skills, escaping would not have been an issue otherwise.

"Don't worry, everyone. Mengzi and Daozi are fine. They just lost too much blood and need some time in the hospital to recover," Gu Jianfeng said with a reassuring smile.

"Jianfeng, I want to talk to you about two things," Su Weiguo stepped forward, his gaze resolute.

"Oh? What is it? Go ahead," Gu Jianfeng responded.

"First, I owe you an apology. When you arrived, I gave you a hard time, and over this period, I've found myself at odds with you."

"Second, I want to learn your skills. Like you said, I'm a soldier, too. I don't want to be the same as I am now if war truly comes someday."

"My parents named me Weiguo—'Defend the Nation.' I want to be worthy of that name," Su Weiguo declared solemnly.

This operation completely overturned everyone’s impression of Gu Jianfeng.

Previously, their feelings towards him were mostly fear—his fighting skills were simply too formidable.

But this time, what they felt was admiration—a deep respect for true strength.

Gu Jianfeng lightly punched Su Weiguo’s chest and smiled, "We’re comrades, brothers—no need for this. If you want to learn, I’ll teach you."

"But to learn my skills, you’ll have to endure a lot of hardship."

"The kind of pain that doesn’t end in a day or two."

"A lifetime is short—if you can’t be a good salted fish, then fight against fate."

"No matter how tough it gets, I’ll stick with it," Su Weiguo replied.

"Good, no problem," Gu Jianfeng agreed.

"Jianfeng, training one or ten is all the same—why not let us join you?" Mo Hongjun stepped forward.

Gu Jianfeng looked at everyone. Though many faces were pale, their eyes were steadfast.

Standing in the distance, Long Fei nodded with a smile. His goal had been achieved.

This was the reason he took the risk to lead them out this time.