Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

As the ginkgo leaves at the National University of Defense Technology turned golden once again, Lin Zhe stood outside the graduation ceremony hall. Morning light shone on his crisp military uniform, his shoulder insignia now bearing the rank of lieutenant—a special designation for outstanding graduates.

Nineteen-year-old Lin Zhe has undergone earth-shattering changes compared to the boy who had just transmigrated a year ago.

His height has increased from 1.75 meters a year ago to 1.82 meters. He has broad shoulders, a straight back, and an upright posture like a pine tree. Long-term rigorous training has given him a near-perfect military physique, with smooth, understated muscle lines, each muscle containing explosive power. His skin has a healthy tan from years of sun exposure and training, and his facial features are more defined, with sharp eyebrows, bright eyes, a high nose bridge, and lips pressed into a resolute straight line.

More importantly, his demeanor has changed. A year ago, although he possessed a composure beyond his years, there was still a hint of youthful naiveté in his eyes; now, his deep eyes no longer show any hesitation or confusion, only the fortitude and wisdom of a soldier. Standing there, without needing to say a word, the natural authority and aura he exudes commands respect from those around him.

"Lin Zhe, happy graduation!" Zhao Kai, Wang Gang, and Zhang Le walked over; they too were graduating today. Influenced by Lin Zhe, they had all worked even harder and completed their studies ahead of schedule.

"Congratulations!" Lin Zhe hugged his three friends one by one.

Over the past year, the four students in dormitory 402 have encouraged each other and made progress together. Lin Zhe not only created a miracle for himself, but also boosted the learning atmosphere of the entire dormitory and even the entire grade. After him, seven more students successfully applied for early graduation, breaking the record of the National University of Defense Technology.

The graduation ceremony began with the majestic strains of military songs. The auditorium was packed, and on the stage, generals in dress uniforms stood, their medals gleaming.

In his speech, Principal General Chen Zhenguo reviewed the growth trajectory of this year's cadets, specifically mentioning Lin Zhe: "Among you, one student completed four years of study in just one year, setting a record for our school. Not only did he excel academically, but his military skills also broke multiple school records. He demonstrated the qualities that soldiers of the new era should possess—loyalty, courage, wisdom, and a sense of responsibility!"

All eyes were on Lin Zhe, and thunderous applause filled the room.

When awarding graduation certificates, General Chen Zhenguo personally presented Lin Zhe with one and pinned on him a gold medal for "Outstanding Cadet." The old man held Lin Zhe's hand and whispered, "Son, do a good job. The army needs fresh blood like you."

"Yes! Thank you, Principal!" Lin Zhe saluted, his movements precise and powerful.

After the ceremony, Lin Zhe did not participate in the celebrations. Instead, he walked along the familiar campus paths towards the quiet bamboo grove. Today, he had one more important thing to do—to say goodbye to Elder Chen.

The courtyard remained quiet. Chen Qingshan was watering the vegetable garden when he heard footsteps. Without turning around, he said, "You're here? The tea is ready."

On the stone table, two cups of tea steamed. Lin Zhe sat down opposite Chen Qingshan, and the two quietly savored their tea for a while.

"Graduated?" Chen Qingshan finally asked.

"Yes, today is the graduation ceremony."

"What are your plans?"

Lin Zhe put down his teacup: "According to the plan, I applied to serve in a front-line unit. However, I still need to wait for the assignment notice for the specific destination."

Chen Qingshan nodded, carefully examining the young man before him. Even he was surprised by Lin Zhe's transformation in just one year. It wasn't just a change in appearance and demeanor, but more importantly, an inner metamorphosis—that restrained yet powerful aura clearly indicated that he had cultivated the Hunyuan Gong to a considerable degree.

"Practice the Hunyuan Gong once and let me see," Chen Qingshan suddenly said.

Lin Zhe stood up and walked to the open space in the courtyard. He didn't assume any starting stance, but simply stood quietly, adjusting his breathing. Gradually, an invisible aura seemed to form around his body, and the fallen leaves on the ground moved without wind.

A set of Hunyuan Fist techniques slowly unfolded. The movements appeared slow and gentle, yet contained astonishing power. Every turn, every punch, carried a wondrous rhythm. Upon reaching the final move, Lin Zhe exhaled and struck the bluestone in the courtyard with his palm.

With a soft "snap," a clear handprint was left on the surface of the bluestone, about half an inch deep, with edges as neat as if cut by a knife.

A look of shock flashed in Chen Qingshan's eyes: "Good lad... in just one year, you've actually reached the 'External Formation' realm! I spent twenty years practicing to reach this level!"

Lin Zhe finished his practice, his breathing steady: "It's all thanks to Elder Chen's excellent guidance."

"Don't give me that." Chen Qingshan waved his hand, his tone complicated. "Your talent is unparalleled in my life. Zhang Jianguo is probably no match for you now."

That's the truth. Three months ago, Zhang Jian came to the military academy on business and took the opportunity to test Lin Zhe's martial arts skills. The two sparred on the training ground, and after fifty moves, Zhang Jian voluntarily conceded defeat. At the time, he said, "Kid, you're ready to graduate now. Don't embarrass me on the battlefield."

"Elder Chen, I have a question." Lin Zhe sat back down on the stone bench. "Over the past year, I've felt changes in my body far beyond what ordinary people experience. It's not just the effects of the Hunyuan Gong; my learning ability, memory, and reaction speed have all improved to an unbelievable level. Is this... normal?"

Chen Qingshan was silent for a moment, his gaze deep: "Everyone has their own opportunities. Since you have this talent, cherish it and use it to do what you should do. As for the reasons, there's no need to delve into them."

Lin Zhe nodded. In fact, he vaguely guessed that this might be some kind of "benefit" brought about by the transmigration—the fusion of two souls, coupled with the special rules of this parallel world, created him as he is now.

"Tell me your plans," Chen Qingshan changed the subject. "With your current skill level, there's not much more the regular army can teach you. Combat, shooting, tactics, command... your military skills surpass those of most special forces soldiers. But," he added, "you're still missing one thing."

"A real battlefield experience," Lin Zhe interjected.

Chen Qingshan nodded approvingly: "That's right. The training ground can never simulate a real battlefield. The feeling of a bullet grazing your scalp, the feeling of a comrade falling beside you, the feeling of being on the brink of life and death... you haven't experienced any of these yet."

He stood up, walked to the map of the Dragon Kingdom hanging by the courtyard wall, and pointed to the southwestern border: "If you really want to become the strongest soldier, I suggest you go here."

Lin Zhe looked at the map—it was a mountainous area on the southwestern border of the Dragon Kingdom, marked with complex terrain and border lines.

"The conditions there are harsh and the environment is severe, but it offers the most opportunities for real combat." Chen Qingshan's voice became serious. "Border frictions occur frequently, including smuggling, infiltration, and small-scale conflicts... Although the media rarely reports on them, the soldiers there are undergoing real tests every day."

"I understand." Lin Zhe's gaze was firm. "I will apply to go to the southwestern border."

Chen Qingshan turned around, his eyes, weathered by countless storms, looking directly at Lin Zhe: "Remember, soldiers are not killing machines. We wield force to protect peace. You go to the border not to kill, but to defend. That's the fundamental difference."

"I will remember it."

The two talked for a long time. Chen Qingshan recounted his experiences on the battlefield when he was young, those stories of blood and fire, which helped Lin Zhe better understand what a true soldier is. Finally, the old man brought out a cloth bag from the house.

"Here, take this."

Lin Zhe opened the cloth bag, inside which was a yellowed notebook.

"This notebook contains my insights from decades of military service, including some little-known tactics and experiences." Chen Qingshan paused, his voice low. "Lin Zhe, your grandfather and my generation dedicated our lives to this country. In our eyes, national interests come above all else. Now it's your generation's turn."

Lin Zhe solemnly accepted the cloth bag: "Old Chen, rest assured. In my past life... I mean, the education I received from childhood has instilled in me a sense of national mission and responsibility that is no less than that of the older generation. I will dedicate my life to protecting this land."

Chen Qingshan patted him on the shoulder: "Good boy. Go, go and experience the tempering of blood and fire. I look forward to seeing you grow."

As Lin Zhe left the courtyard, the setting sun bathed the bamboo grove in a golden hue. Looking back, Chen Qingshan was still standing at the gate, his shadow stretching long in the sunset.

This veteran general, who dedicated his life to the military, poured his heart and soul into the younger generation. And Lin Zhe, carrying this expectation, is about to embark on a new journey.

Back in the dormitory, Lin Zhe began packing his belongings, with Zhao Kai and the other two helping him pack.

"Lin Zhe, are you really going to the southwestern border?" Wang Gang asked worriedly. "I've heard it's very dangerous there."

"It is precisely because it is dangerous that people are needed," Lin Zhe said calmly.

Zhang Le said softly, "We'll miss you. Remember to write to us when you're settled."

"Definitely." Lin Zhe hugged the three again. "You guys keep up the good work too. The future of the military depends on our generation."

That evening, Lin Zhe contacted his family. His mother, Su Wan, sounded choked with emotion, while his father, Lin Guodong, said as always, simply, "Be careful, keep in touch."

The most unexpected thing was from his older brother, Raymond Lam: "Xiao Zhe, I'm proud of you. Do what you want to do, I'll take care of things at home."

In the stillness of the night, Lin Zhe stood alone by his dormitory window, gazing at the night sky above the military academy. A year ago, he arrived here, carrying memories of his past life and a goal for this one. A year later, he was about to leave for the real battlefield.

He opened the notebook Chen Qingshan had given him; the first page was written in strong, vigorous characters:

"The soul of a soldier lies in protection. Guns pointed outwards, hearts set on the nation. The green hills remain."

Lin Zhe gently stroked the words, a warm feeling welling up in his heart. In his past life, he was the nation's weapons designer; in this life, he will become the nation's guardian. The forms are different, but the mission remains the same.

The next morning, the assignment notice came down—Lin Zhe was assigned to the 127th Border Defense Regiment of the Southwest Military Region, stationed at a remote outpost on the border.

After packing the last piece of luggage, Lin Zhe put on his crisp military uniform and cap, and tidied his appearance in front of the mirror. The soldier in the mirror had a resolute gaze, an upright posture, and the rank insignia on his shoulders gleamed.

"Report!" He saluted his reflection in the mirror. "Lieutenant Lin Zhe, ready!"

There was a knock at the door; it was classmates and teachers who had come to see him off. Lin Zhe took a deep breath, picked up his luggage, and pushed open the dormitory door.

The corridor was packed with people—students, teachers, and even several generals. Principal Chen Zhenguo was among them.

"Comrade Lin Zhe," Principal Chen stepped forward and straightened his collar, "do a good job in the army. Remember, you are the pride of the National University of Defense Technology."

"Yes, Principal!" Lin Zhe saluted.

As everyone watched him go, Lin Zhe carried his luggage and strode out of the dormitory building. Sunlight shone on him, making the military insignia on his uniform gleam.

At the school gate, a military green jeep was already waiting. Lin Zhe put his luggage in the trunk and took one last look at the campus—the place where he had worked hard for a year.

Before getting on the bus, he turned around, faced the teaching building, and solemnly saluted.

There, you'll find the sweat of his struggles, the guidance of his teachers, the friendship of his classmates, and the expectations of predecessors like Chen Qingshan.

The jeep slowly started, drove out of the school gate, and headed into the distance.

On the southwestern border, forged in blood and fire, the true battlefield awaits him.

Lin Zhe was already prepared.