Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

At the ambush point in the mine, the Hunter Blade Special Forces waited for an hour, but the "Sharp Sword" Special Forces did not arrive.

"Captain Lin, did they not fall for it?" Xiao Chen asked in a low voice.

Lin Zhe glanced at his watch and frowned. This shouldn't be happening. The traces they left were obvious enough; with the "Sharp Sword's" professional expertise, they couldn't possibly have missed them.

Unless... they never came this way at all.

"Withdraw." Lin Zhe decisively ordered, "The plan has changed; they may have discovered our intentions."

The ten men quickly evacuated the mine and returned to a safe area. Lin Zhe opened his personal terminal to check the intelligence transmitted back by other groups—the Blue Army command post was still busy, and the "Sharp Sword" special forces team seemed to still be active near the valley.

"They won't fall for it," Lin Zhe told his team. "It seems 'Sharp Sword' is more cautious than we thought. Since we can't lure them out..."

A sharp glint flashed in his eyes: "Then let's take the initiative and force them out."

"How do you force me?" Old Ma asked.

"Strike where it hurts." Lin Zhe spread out the map and pointed to several marked points. "These are three forward outposts of the Blue Army, each with a platoon of soldiers. We'll take out these three outposts and assassinate their commanders. Command will definitely send 'Sharp Sword' to encircle and annihilate us."

Liu's eyes lit up: "A feint! Attack the stronghold, lure the special forces!"

"Yes." Lin Zhe nodded. "Three groups, each responsible for one outpost. Remember, quick and decisive, hit and run, don't linger. After completing the mission, assemble at this location."

He pointed to an intersection on the map: "This is the only route 'Sharp Sword' takes from its command post to its stronghold. We'll set up an ambush there."

"clear!"

The three groups split up again. Lin Zhe led his group straight to the nearest outpost, Outpost No. 1.

Outpost 1 was located on a hillside, with simple fortifications and about thirty Blue Army soldiers. Lin Zhe and his two companions lay in ambush in the bushes two hundred meters away from the outpost, observing the situation.

"The outpost commander should be in that tent," Lin Zhe observed through binoculars. "There are two guards at the entrance. Xiao Chen, you take care of the guards. Xiao Li, you provide cover. I'll go into the tent and 'assassinate' the commander."

"Captain Lin, should we just charge in?" Xiao Li asked.

"No, a feint," Lin Zhe said. "Xiao Chen, you make some noise on the west side of the stronghold to attract the guards' attention. Once the guards have gone to check, we'll sneak in from the east."

"clear."

Xiao Chen quietly moved to the west side of the stronghold, picked up a stone, and threw it into the bushes in the distance. The sound of the stone was particularly clear in the quiet night.

"What's that sound?" The guard at the tent entrance looked over alertly.

"I'll go take a look." A guard, gun at the ready, walked toward the west side.

Just then, Lin Zhe and Xiao Li approached silently from the east. Before the remaining guard could react, Lin Zhe knocked him unconscious with a chop to the neck—which, according to the exercise rules, counted as a death in action.

The two quickly entered the tent. Inside, as expected, was a lieutenant colonel examining a map. Seeing Lin Zhe enter, the officer paused, then smiled wryly: "You're from the Red Army special forces?"

"Yes." Lin Zhe raised his pistol, and a red dot lit up on the officer's chest through the laser sight. "Lieutenant Colonel, you've 'sacrificed' your life."

The officer shook his head and removed the laser receiver from his helmet—a gesture that, according to regulations, indicated he had been "killed."

"You're quick," the officer said. "But you can't escape, our special forces..."

"Thanks for the reminder." After saying that, Lin Zhe and Xiao Li quickly left the tent.

The whole process took less than three minutes. When leaving the base, Lin Zhe also conveniently "destroyed" the base's communication antenna—using a simulated explosive device used in the exercise.

At the same time, Lao Ma and Da Liu's team also completed their mission. The commanders of strongholds 2 and 3 were also "assassinated," and key equipment was destroyed.

The three groups met at the designated meeting point only forty minutes after the operation was scheduled to begin.

"Is it all done?" Lin Zhe asked.

"It's done!" Old Ma and Big Liu nodded.

"Alright, set up the ambush now." Lin Zhe pointed to the intersection ahead. "'Sharp Sword' will definitely pass through here. Lao Ma, you take the sniper team and occupy that high ground. Da Liu, you take your men and ambush on the left. I'll stay on the right. Once they're all inside the ambush zone, open fire at my command."

The team members quickly took up ambush positions. This time, Lin Zhe was confident—"Sharp Sword" would definitely come. With three strongholds attacked simultaneously, the command headquarters couldn't possibly fail to send its most elite forces to deal with it.

Sure enough, twenty minutes later, the sound of a car engine could be heard in the distance. Two SUVs drove up and stopped at the intersection. Twelve people jumped out of the vehicles; they were the "Sharp Sword" special forces team.

The leader was a captain, a burly man with sharp eyes. After getting out of the vehicle, he cautiously surveyed his surroundings: "Be careful, the Red Army special forces just attacked the stronghold, they might still be nearby."

The team members spread out and advanced in combat formation. They were very professional, their movements were precise, and they covered each other as they approached the intersection.

Lin Zhe lay prone in the grass, monitoring their every move through his personal terminal. When all twelve men were within the ambush zone, he gave the order: "Fire!"

"Bang bang bang..."

Gunfire erupted suddenly! It wasn't live ammunition, but the sounds of blank rounds and laser simulation systems. The suddenness and density of fire threw the "Sharp Sword" special forces team into chaos instantly.

"There's an ambush! Take cover!" the captain shouted.

But it was too late. The Hunter Blade Special Forces occupied advantageous terrain and launched a surprise attack, "killing" four "Sharp Sword" members in the first round of shooting.

"Counterattack! Three o'clock!" the captain commanded his men to return fire.

A fierce firefight ensued. Gunshots echoed through the night sky, and laser beams flickered in the darkness.

Lin Zhe calmly observed the battle. "Sharp Sword" truly lived up to its name; after being ambushed, it quickly organized an effective counterattack, demonstrating a high level of tactical skill. If it were the old Hunter Blade, the outcome would have been truly uncertain.

But now, after Lin Zhe's training, the Hunter Blade team has improved in both individual ability and teamwork.

"Old Ma, sniper team suppress enemy fire. Big Liu, you guys flank from the left. Leave the front to me," Lin Zhe commanded over the comms.

"receive!"

The battle lasted for ten minutes. Although the "Sharp Sword" special forces team fought tenaciously, they gradually succumbed to the three-dimensional attacks of the Hunter Blade. After five more "sacrificed" members, only the captain and two team members remained to put up the fight.

"Captain, we can't hold on!" one of the team members shouted. "Their firepower is too intense, and their teamwork is too good!"

The captain gritted his teeth: "Hold on! Reinforcements are on their way!"

He had barely finished speaking when the command center's voice came through his earpiece: "Sharp Sword Team One, report the situation!"

"Reporting to command, we have been ambushed by Red Army special forces and suffered heavy losses! Requesting reinforcements!"

"Rescue is on its way, hold on for ten minutes!"

Ten minutes? The captain smiled wryly. Judging from the situation, even three minutes would be difficult.

Just then, Lin Zhe suddenly launched a surprise attack. He led Xiao Chen and Xiao Li, attacking from three directions simultaneously. Their movements were lightning fast, and their coordination was flawless.

The captain and his two teammates fought desperately, but were still "killed." Before the last team member "died," he asked unwillingly, "Which squad of Hunter's Blade are you from?"

"Third squad," Lin Zhe replied.

The team member was taken aback: "Third squad? I played against you guys last year, you weren't this strong..."

"We've made progress," Lin Zhe said, gesturing for his team members to inspect the "battlefield."

All twelve "Sharp Sword" team members have been "killed in action." According to the exercise rules, they can only stay where they are now and wait for the exercise to end.

The captain sat on the ground, looking at Lin Zhe with a complicated expression: "Who is your captain?"

"I am the captain," Lin Zhe said.

"You?" The captain sized him up. "New here? Never seen you before."

"We've been here for a few months." Lin Zhe didn't elaborate. "When will your support arrive?"

The captain glanced at his watch: "They should be here soon. But... I advise you to retreat immediately. It's our 'Sharp Sword' elite squad coming, led by the captain himself."

Lin Zhe's eyes lit up: "Ace Squad? How many people are there?"

"Twelve men, all the strongest in the team," the captain said. "What, you still want to fight?"

"Why not?" Lin Zhe laughed. "Old Ma, Big Liu, get ready to welcome the second group of guests."

The Hunter Blade team members quickly adjusted their positions, preparing for another ambush. The captain looked at them and shook his head: "You guys are indeed skilled, but ten against twelve, especially with our captain leading the team... it's too difficult."

"Give it a try," Lin Zhe said casually.

Fifteen minutes later, the sound of cars came from afar. This time, it was also two SUVs, but they were faster and more urgent. Before the cars had even come to a complete stop, twelve people jumped out, their movements more agile and professional than the previous group.

The leader was a major, in his thirties, with a scar on his face and a cold, sharp gaze. He spotted the captain and the others sitting by the roadside at a glance, and his expression immediately darkened.

"What's going on?" the major asked.

"Captain, we...we're all wiped out." The captain gave a bitter smile. "They were lying in ambush here; we fell for their trap."

The major scanned his surroundings, his gaze sharp as an eagle's: "Are they still nearby?"

"Should..." The captain hadn't finished speaking when another shot rang out!

This time, Hunter Blade took the initiative! Lin Zhe knew that against such an elite team, he couldn't wait for them to prepare. He had to strike first!

"Take cover!" The major reacted swiftly, instantly dropping to the ground while simultaneously directing his men to return fire.

The battle resumed. This time, the "Sharp Sword" elite squad was clearly stronger than the previous one. They possessed superior individual skills, excellent teamwork, and flexible tactics. Although Hunter Blade had the initial advantage, they couldn't gain the upper hand immediately.

"Team Leader Lin, they're amazing!" Xiao Chen shouted into the comms. "Much stronger than that team before!"

"I know." Lin Zhe calmly observed the battle situation. "Old Ma, the sniper team should focus on their commander. Da Liu, your group should apply pressure from the left flank. Leave the front to me."

The battle intensified. Gunshots, shouts, and footsteps mingled in the night.

Lin Zhe personally dealt with the major captain. The two chased and fought in the jungle, their movements as fast as lightning. The major was clearly a skilled fighter as well; in several close-quarters exchanges, Lin Zhe was unable to quickly defeat him.

"Not bad," the major said, panting. "When did Hunter Blade produce someone like you?"

"I just arrived recently," Lin Zhe replied, delivering a side kick at the same time.

The major parried, taking two steps back: "You're not an ordinary member, are you? Which unit were you transferred from?"

"I used to be on the border." After saying that, Lin Zhe suddenly accelerated and launched a series of punches.

The major managed to hold his own, but was clearly at a disadvantage. He was shocked—this young man's skills were simply terrifying! Speed, strength, and technique were all top-notch!

Just then, an explosion was heard in the distance—it was the other Hunter Blade teams attacking the "Sharp Sword" team members.

In the moment the major was distracted, Lin Zhe seized the opportunity, locking his arm with a grappling move while simultaneously "killing" him with his other hand—a laser dot lit up on the major's chest.

The major was stunned. A few seconds later, he smiled wryly and removed the laser receiver: "I lost."

With their captain "killed," the resistance of the "Sharp Sword" elite squad gradually crumbled. Ten minutes later, the battle ended. All twelve members were "killed."

Hunter Blade Special Forces, ten against twenty-four, a clean sweep!

The team members gathered together, their eyes filled with excitement despite being covered in sweat.

"Captain Lin, we...we defeated two squads from 'Sharp Sword'!" Liu exclaimed excitedly, "And we won with fewer troops!"

Old Ma also sighed, "In the past, I wouldn't have dared to even think about it. If we could fight 'Sharp Sword' to a draw, that would be considered good."

Lin Zhe looked at his team members, feeling gratified. The past few months of training had paid off; Hunter Blade had indeed become stronger.

"Don't get cocky," he said. "The battle isn't over yet. 'Sharp Sword' special forces may have other squads, and Blue Team command definitely knows we're here."

He opened his individual terminal to check the information he had been monitoring—sure enough, the Blue Army command was in an uproar.

"...Both Sharp Sword squads have lost contact! The Red Army special forces are in area 7!"

"Send troops to encircle and annihilate them immediately! We can't let them cause any more damage!"

"Notify all outposts to strengthen security to prevent a decapitation strike!"

Lin Zhe smiled. This was exactly the effect he wanted—the Blue Army's attention would be drawn to this, reducing the pressure on the main battlefield.

"Captain Qin Feng, report the situation." He connected the communication.

"Roger that. Well done! Both 'Sharp Sword' squads have been wiped out, and the Blue Army command is in chaos." Qin Feng's voice was filled with excitement. "On the main battlefield, the Red Army is advancing. Lin Zhe, your current mission is: continue harassment, create chaos, and create opportunities for a frontal assault."

"Understood." Lin Zhe thought for a moment. "Captain, I suggest we split into two groups. One group will continue operating in Area 7 to draw the Blue Army's attention. The other group will infiltrate behind enemy lines and carry out the decapitation strike."

"Decapitation? Are you sure you can handle that?"

"Yes," Lin Zhe said confidently. "We know the location of the Blue Army's command post and we're monitoring their communications. Given the right opportunity, we'll have a chance."

Qin Feng pondered for a moment: "Alright! I approve. You take five men to carry out the decapitation mission, the rest of you continue harassment. Be careful!"

"yes!"

Lin Zhe selected five of his most elite team members, including Lao Ma and Da Liu, to form a decapitation team. The others, led by Xiao Chen, continued to operate in area 7 to draw the Blue Team's attention.

"Our target is the Blue Army command post." Lin Zhe spread out the map. "It's eight kilometers from here to the command post, and we have to cross the Blue Army's defensive line. We can't take the main road; we can only take the mountain path."

He pointed to a route: "This route is the most dangerous, but also the most concealed. Three o'clock in the morning, when the Blue Army changes shifts, is the best time for us to infiltrate."

"Team Leader Lin, take command of all guards and any remaining 'Sharp Sword' members," Old Ma reminded him.

"I know," Lin Zhe said. "So we can't launch a direct attack; we have to outsmart them. The surveillance footage shows that General Zhang Dajiang will hold a combat meeting at 3:30 a.m., and all the senior officers will be at the command post. That's the best time for us to act."

The team members' eyes lit up—if they could "kill" all the Blue Army's senior commanders at the operational meeting, the Blue Army would be completely paralyzed!

"Now, rest for two hours. We'll depart at 1 a.m.," Lin Zhe ordered.

The team members found a secluded place to rest. Lin Zhe leaned against a tree trunk, closed his eyes, but his mind was racing.

A decapitation strike... This was a tactic he had devised countless times in his previous life, and in this life he was finally going to carry it out personally.

And the target was Zhang Dajiang—Zhang Xueying's father, the woman Commander Chen wanted to introduce to him...

Lin Zhe shook his head, clearing his mind of distractions. This was an exercise, a mission. On the battlefield, there were no personal feelings.

He opened his eyes and looked in the direction of the Blue Army command post.

The decapitation operation is about to begin.