A young boy from the 1970s, separated from his family, fled famine and led his younger brother into

"Air Force... Independent Division... Division Commander?!"

Wang Dazhu's voice was completely distorted with shock. His weathered eyes were fixed on Su Nianci's face, as if trying to see right through her!

Air Force! Independent Division! Division Commander!

Each of these three words carries immense weight! Combined, they represent an absolute power that ordinary people cannot even aspire to!

In the 1970s, an army division commander was already a regional general, a truly important figure! And the air force, as a highly sophisticated and technologically advanced branch, held an even more special position! What did it mean to be the commander of an independent air force division? It meant being a true regional governor, wielding significant military power! Someone who could directly communicate with the highest-ranking officer in the military region!

Wang Dazhu never dreamed that his old squad leader Su Weiguo, who had sacrificed himself many years ago, would have such a... extraordinary comrade-in-arms!

Looking at the veteran's completely stunned expression, Su Nianci thought to herself: It's done.

This is exactly the effect she wanted.

She had to instill absolute confidence in Wang Dazhu, and in herself as well. She had to convince everyone that her trip to the north was not a high-stakes gamble with an uncertain future, but a "return" with a sure-fire victory.

"I...I'm not quite sure either..." Su Nianci's face showed a hint of confusion and uncertainty. She said softly, as if talking to herself, "I only overheard a few words when I was a child, when I was eavesdropping on my dad and mom talking...they were saying something like...something about 'eagle'...something about 'sword in the sky'...I didn't understand."

"Soaring Eagle!" "A Sharp Sword in the Sky!"

These two words struck Wang Dazhu's heart like two heavy hammer blows!

This... this is the nickname of the Northern Military Region's most elite fighter pilot division, codenamed "Sky Sword"!

There's no mistake! Absolutely no mistake!

Lu Zhenhua! The legendary youngest and most charismatic ace pilot and air force division commander in the Northern Military Region! He was actually... his old sergeant's sworn brother!

After the initial shock came a surge of ecstasy!

Wang Dazhu was so excited his face turned red. He grabbed Su Nianci's shoulders tightly and said incoherently, "Nianci, my child! Heaven has eyes! Heaven has eyes! You...you've made the right choice going this time! With Commander Lu there, no matter how wronged you are, he can stand up for you! No one will be able to bully you two siblings anymore!"

He seemed to already see the day when Su Nianci and her brother would stand tall and be exonerated in the Northern Military Region!

Su Nianci was also moved by his emotions and nodded heavily: "Yes! Uncle Wang, I believe Uncle Lu!"

With this earth-shattering "secret" as a foundation, the atmosphere became exceptionally relaxed and hopeful for the next few hours.

Wang Dazhu was no longer worried about Su Nianci's future. Instead, he enthusiastically told her many stories about the Northern Military Region and the "Division Commander Lu." Although most of them were hearsay, they gave Su Nianci a more comprehensive and clear understanding of her future destination and the "big shot" she was about to meet.

Although Li Daquan's family didn't understand terms like "commander" or "general," they could tell that Nianci was going to find someone of immense importance. Their gaze towards Su Nianci became even more respectful and affectionate.

Time flew by and it was already 2:30 in the afternoon.

Zhao Weidong arrived at the train station right on time in a black Volga sedan to personally see Su Nianci off.

This car, which was considered a "luxury item" at the time, caused a sensation at the entire train station as soon as it appeared.

"Nianci, Xiaoshitou, get in the car, Uncle will take you to the station!" Zhao Weidong greeted them warmly.

"Uncle Zhao, no need, we can walk in ourselves." Su Nianci politely declined his offer.

She didn't want to be too high-profile.

But this time, Wang Dazhu stepped forward and said to Su Nianci, "Nianci, listen to your Uncle Zhao! Let him deliver it! We, the descendants of heroes, deserve this kind of prestige! We need to show everyone that we are not orphans without anyone to back us up!"

The veteran's words were simple, yet carried an undeniable air of pride.

Su Nianci finally nodded.

So, amidst the complex gazes of envy, jealousy, and amazement from everyone in the waiting room, Su Nianci and Xiao Shitou, escorted by Zhao Weidong, Wang Dazhu, and Li Daquan's family, marched in a grand procession toward the platform.

At the ticket gate, Zhao Weidong showed his work ID, and the ticket inspector saluted and let him through without even looking at his ticket.

They traveled without any obstacles and arrived directly at the door of the sleeper car.

"Express train 112, soft sleeper compartment number 7, lower berths 9 and 11." The train conductor checked the tickets, immediately put on a respectful smile, and personally helped them carry their luggage (although it was just a cloth bag) upstairs.

"Uncle Zhao, Grandpa Wang, Uncle Li, Auntie, we've seen you off here." Su Nianci stood at the carriage door, bowed deeply to the people who had come to see her off, and said, "Thank you! I will never forget your kindness!"

"Why are you saying all this! Let's go up!" Zhao Weidong said with a smile. "Once you get to Harbin and settle in, remember to write to Uncle Zhao to let him know you're safe!"

"Nianciwazi! When you get to the army and see Commander Lu, please tell him for me... tell him that Wang Dazhu from the Sharp Knife Company is still alive! He still remembers the kindness he and his old sergeant showed him!" Wang Dazhu's eyes reddened again.

"Nianci, Little Stone, have a safe journey!" The Li family waved, their faces filled with simple and sincere blessings.

"Waaah—"

The train whistle let out a long, drawn-out cry.

"Get on the train! It's about to leave!" the train conductor urged.

Su Nianci, holding Xiao Shitou's hand, took one last look at them, then resolutely turned around and stepped onto the train carriage.

The car door slowly closed.

The train began to clatter and rattle forward.

Looking through the train window at the increasingly smaller figures on the platform, Su Nianci felt a pang of sadness at parting and an infinite longing for the future.

Goodbye, Central Plains.

Goodbye to these kind people who gave her warmth and help during her most difficult time.

She will embark on her final journey to face a brand new and unknown challenge.

The environment of the sleeper car was completely different from that of the previous hard seat car.

The clean carpet, the soft bed, the private little room—the unpleasant smell of sweat was gone, replaced by a faint, fresh scent of soap.

Their private room was a four-person room, and apart from their two lower bunks, the upper bunks were empty.

As soon as Little Stone came in, he stared wide-eyed with curiosity, touching and looking at everything, his little face full of wonder.

Su Nianci put the cloth bag away, then hugged the little stone and sat on the soft bed.

Escape, rushing around, scheming, fighting...

All the fatigue and tension from this period of time seemed to be released at this moment.

She leaned against the headboard, watching the scenery rushing past the window, feeling an unprecedented sense of peace.

Go north, go to Harbin, go to the Northern Military Region.

Her goal had never been so clear and unwavering.

She wanted to avenge her parents, take back everything that belonged to her, and live a proud and honorable life with Little Stone!

The train was moving smoothly.

Little Stone, tired from playing, nestled in Su Nianci's arms and fell into a deep sleep. He slept soundly, a satisfied smile even playing on his lips.

Su Nianci looked down at her younger brother's sleeping face, her heart softening.

She took out the white jade pendant carved with a five-clawed dragon, which she had always kept close to her body, from her pocket.

The jade pendant was warm and cool to the touch, and the ancient seal script character "陆" on the back was particularly clear in the light coming through the car window.

Lu Zhenhua.

Air Force Division Commander.

Small stone.

What are the intricate connections between these three?

Su Nianci stroked the jade pendant, lost in thought.

Just then, the door to the private room was suddenly pulled open from the outside.

A man in a railway uniform poked his head in, a polite smile on his face.

"Excuse me, are you Comrade Su Nianci?"

Su Nianci's heart skipped a beat, and she instinctively clenched the jade pendant in her hand.

She looked up, warily eyeing the newcomer.

The man seemed to sense her wariness and quickly explained with a smile, "Don't misunderstand, I'm not a bad person. It's... it's our Captain Lei who asked me to bring you something."

As he spoke, he stepped aside.

Behind him stood a tall and imposing figure.

It was Lei Ming, the train police captain with eyes as sharp as an eagle's, who seemed to see through everything!