Reborn as a tiger, he was chosen by the nation as its guardian beast.

Chapter 178 Protection Mission

Wang Hu and Lin Yue exchanged a glance, both seeing a hint of shock in each other's eyes.

It seems that, without their knowledge, the top leadership of China had already completed many earth-shattering plans.

Two full days later, the transport planes finally slowed down.

Through the porthole, a green island could be seen on the azure sea below.

What made Wang Hu and Lin Yue even more astonished was that when the plane landed at a huge airport on the island, they saw Chinese soldiers lined up on both sides of the runway to welcome them. In the distance, in the harbor, huge warships painted with the Chinese naval insignia were moored, including even two aircraft carriers that looked like mountains.

This is indeed the legendary Hawaiian Islands, and now, unbeknownst to many, this island has become a heavily guarded overseas base controlled by China.

As the airplane door opened, a warm breeze carrying the salty smell of the ocean and the fresh scent of grass and trees rushed in.

Wang Hu and Lin Yue stepped off the plane, greeted by a rather large entourage.

Leading the group was an elderly man with a star on his shoulder, and behind him stood a Taoist priest with a calm demeanor.

"Hahaha, Lin girl, Big Cat, we've been waiting for you!" The old man's hearty laughter rang out the moment the two stepped off the plane.

The old man was burly, dressed in military uniform, and in high spirits. He walked towards Wang Hu and Lin Yue with a loud laugh. Lin Yue and Wang Hu did not know him before, but they had seen his information on the plane.

Wu Nanshan is now the highest-ranking military official on the island.

Beside him was a Taoist priest, who, according to the information, was Master Qingxu of Wudang.

"Master Qingxu, I didn't expect you to come too?" Lin Yue greeted him with delight.

It was clear that she knew this Taoist priest.

"With such a grand occasion, how could an old man like me not come and join in?" Master Qingxu said with a smile. He glanced at Wang Hu, his eyes full of admiration. "Big Cat, I've always wanted to meet you, but I never had the chance. Now I've finally met you."

"Hello!"

Master Qingxu bowed to Wang Hu.

Wang Hu nodded at him, as if to say hello.

Seeing this martial arts master, and the many powerful individuals who had been mobilized but hadn't shown themselves, but whose information had been provided to him earlier, he roughly understood the situation.

For this operation, the nation mobilized all its top-tier combat forces. Martial arts masters, Nine Cauldrons Division experts, and the army—this was truly a mobilization of the entire nation's strength.

"Alright, we can catch up later."

Wu Nanshan stepped forward and addressed the crowd, "Gentlemen, I am the commander-in-chief of this Operation Dragon Abyss. Please follow me to the command center; we need to convene a combat meeting immediately."

Everyone's expressions turned solemn as they followed Wu Nanshan into a row of military off-road vehicles, which headed towards a massive military building in the center of the island.

The command center was filled with a tense and somber atmosphere.

On the huge holographic sand table, a three-dimensional image of the target sea area is displayed in real time. Countless data streams flash across the screen, and staff members in various uniforms are busy at their respective posts.

When Wang Hu, the enormous golden tiger, entered the command center, it still caused a small commotion. Although many people had heard of the White Tiger's fame, seeing him in person still left them in awe of his imposing presence.

"Everyone, please look here." Wu Nanshan walked up to the command platform and pointed to the center of the holographic sand table.

In the center of the sand table, the enormous energy vortex had become even more violent. Thick bolts of lightning flashed continuously within the vortex, and the terrifying energy fluctuations could be felt even through the screen.

"According to our latest detection data, the target organism's vital signs are escalating exponentially, and the resulting energy surge has reached a critical point. Our scientists predict that its true transformation," or what you call "transcending tribulation," will officially begin within the next twelve hours."

Wu Nanshan's expression was very solemn: "And this also means that a fierce battle is about to begin."

He switched the view, and a real-time image of the United States' aircraft carrier battle group appeared on the sand table.

"The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse from the Eagle Nation have arrived, and their Seventh Fleet is in battle formation. According to intelligence from our 'eyes' planted within them, their objective this time is not merely observation, but capture."

"Capture?" Lin Yue frowned. "Are they crazy? That's a true dragon about to break through to the fourth rank!"

"For them, this may be their only chance to catch up with us," Wu Nanshan said coldly from the side, stubbing out his cigarette. "Their country is already overwhelmed by various internal problems. If they don't give it their all, they will really be left behind by the times."

"Not only them," and not only them, Wu Nanshan pulled up information on other forces, "Japan, the European Union, and those superhuman organizations hidden in the shadows all harbor great ambitions for this dragon. Some want to tame it, some want to kill it and seize its flesh and genes, and some—want to take its place."

The atmosphere in the command room grew increasingly oppressive.

"What is our mission?" Lin Yue asked succinctly, arms crossed.

Wu Nanshan took a deep breath and stated the ultimate objective of this operation.

Our primary task is to "cultivate positive relationships."

"To form good karma?" Everyone was taken aback.

"Yes."

Zhou Hailong nodded. "This dragon had actually contacted us before it underwent its tribulation. It took the initiative to form an alliance with us and showed us goodwill. Moreover, based on our ancient records and current indications, it is very likely that it has a very deep connection with our Chinese civilization. It is not an enemy, at least not until it shows hostility. We cannot treat it as an enemy."

He paused, then his tone became resolute.

"Therefore, our mission is to protect it during its tribulation! To eliminate all external factors that attempt to interfere with or harm it. If it successfully breaks through, we must do everything possible to establish a friendly relationship with it. If—I mean if—it is in danger, we must provide assistance to it to the best of our ability."

Upon hearing this, Wang Hu roughly understood.

The higher-ups' ideas were simple and clever.

Instead of resorting to violence like other countries in an attempt to capture or kill a mythical beast with immense potential, it would be better to do the opposite and offer a huge favor.

Moreover, given Wang Hu's understanding of China, when Chinese officials say something is highly likely, it must have already been verified.

This road is probably really closely related to China.