The Rise of a Special Forces Soldier Abandoned by a Wealthy Family

The darkness finally shed its inky cloak, and the sky began to lighten with a pale white, gradually tinged with the golden hues of dawn.

On the ruins of Hope No. 2 Oilfield, the smoke of battle has not yet completely dissipated, mixed with the heavy smell of blood, gunpowder, and burning diesel.

This creates a brutal yet magnificent picture of the post-war period.

The members of the Dragon Return Squad were scattered across the battlefield.

Some, like ferocious beasts, stand like mountains atop broken bunkers, gazing into the distance, as if still vigilant against potential threats.

Some, like "Lightning" Jiang Tianhua, "Storm" Wu Lei, and "Blade" Liu Feng, casually sat on the cold, dirty open ground, leaning against each other or against broken equipment;

Others, like "Saber" Tang Long and "Eagle" Fang Rong, had their arms around each other's shoulders, talking in hushed tones, their faces showing tired yet cheerful smiles.

Their desert camouflage combat uniforms were stained with dark red blood, black gunpowder, and yellow dust.

Everyone's face was etched with the physical exhaustion of intense combat.

They are, after all, flesh and blood, not true gods.

But their eyes remained sharp and calm, like tempered steel.

Like a pack of wolves that has just finished a grand hunt and is resting but still senses the movement of the grass around them.

"Hey, I'm talking to Tiezhu!"

Jiang Tianhua (Lightning) nudged a towering stone pillar beside him with his elbow, a mocking expression on his face.

"You usually seem so honest and simple-minded, how come you have so many cunning and scheming thoughts hidden inside?"

These words immediately resonated with Wu Lei (Storm) and Liu Feng (Blade) who were standing nearby, and the two of them immediately came over.

Wu Lei grabbed Shi Tiezhu by the neck (playfully, of course), while Liu Feng held down his shoulders, laughing and scolding:

"You stupid idiot! How did you manage to fool the three of us back in Country C? Huh? Saying things like 'Brothers, let's conquer the world together,' 'Let's show the boss our strength,' 'We'll share the good times and the bad!'"

Jiang Tianhua interjected, feigning an angry glare:

"And the result? The three of us foolishly became your free henchmen, charging into battle and slaughtering everyone in your path, allowing you to earn the title of 'Eastern Rock' within the C Country government army and secure your position as the number two!"

Wu Lei snorted angrily:

Damn it! What's most infuriating is that once you've achieved your goal, you kick the three of us to the curb!

If you've already kicked me out, at least reimburse my travel expenses!

They didn't even arrange a car, and I can't get through on the phone!

Damn it! In the end, the three of us had no choice but to "borrow" a pickup truck from the reactionary armed forces to leave Country C in a sorry state!

I was so angry my liver ached for a week! Tell me! How are we going to settle this score?!

Shi Tiezhu, surrounded by three men, turned red in the face and groaned in pain:

My three older brothers! My own brothers! I'm innocent!

The situation wasn't what you think!

That group of reactionary armed forces is my "fishpond" for slow training and assimilation!

You three are doing well, plus that frozen Death, and Xiaoya is backing you up from behind.

Today we raid their camp, tomorrow we assassinate their commander, and the day after we cripple their communications...

At the rate you're going to play, they'll be wiped out in less than a month!

What else can I do? I need to have some room to maneuver, right?

Tie Zhu tried his best to put on an expression that said, "I'm doing this all for your own good."

I was reluctantly sending you to a wider world to showcase your talents!

Look how great things are now! We brothers have all made a name for ourselves in different places, and we all have our own influence and voice.

If you all crowd into Country C, how will the boss view you in the future?

You think you're all just sticking together? I'm just worried for you, I feel the world is so unfair!

"Damn it!" The three of them spat at the same time, and Jiang Tianhua laughed and cursed:

You talk a good game but you play it all! We're not believing your nonsense!

Now you're the de facto Deputy Commander-in-Chief of Country C, rolling in money! No doubt about it, the compensation for emotional distress is ten million US dollars per person! Did you hear that?

Shi Tiezhu immediately looked miserable, almost bursting into tears: "Where would I get any money... I'm dirt poor..."

"Bullshit!" Wu Lei poked his hard pectoral muscles. "You just signed an $8 million arms deal with China! Do you think we don't know?"

Just then, a cold voice suddenly drifted from the side:

"Who just said I... am frozen goods?"

When everyone turned around, they saw that "Death God" Ye Feng had been standing there silently without anyone noticing, and his eyes under the mask seemed even colder than usual.

Shi Tiezhu froze, his eyes rolled back, and he promptly "fainted," falling straight backward, which drew laughter from the crowd.

Zeng Long (the judge) walked over with a smile:

"Alright, alright, stop fooling around."

He patted the "fainted" Shi Tiezhu,

The money for Tiezhu to buy equipment was indeed lent to him by me and Xiaoya.

If he were truly wealthy, he would have already properly "thanked" you.

But I know you're just joking, you won't actually ask him for it.

His gaze swept over all the team members who had gathered around him, looking at these familiar faces, weathered by war, his eyes filled with genuine emotion:

"I'm really happy to see my brothers achieve what they have today and establish themselves in the world."

He paused, his tone becoming serious.

"Now that this battle is over... what are your plans? Are you coming back to China with me?"

The atmosphere fell silent for a moment.

Shi Tiezhu was no longer "dizzy." He sat up, scratched his head, and said with a simple yet firm expression:

Boss, I'm not going back for now.

Once things stabilize in Country C, then...

Let's wait until you find out exactly what my family is like in China before we talk about it.

A deep longing for his hometown and loved ones flashed in his eyes.

Zeng Long looked at Ye Feng (the Grim Reaper).

Ye Feng's words were concise and to the point:

"Same." His gaze turned eastward, towards the direction of his homeland, and beneath his cold exterior, there seemed to be subtle undercurrents.

Qi Liang (Phantom) spoke on behalf of the others:

Boss, we've discussed it.

Our situation is a little different from Tiezhu's and Death's; we've always kept in touch with our families.

But after we retired, it seems we didn't have any other skills besides fighting and killing.

Having great strength and skills might not be enough to adapt to life in China, and could even cause trouble for one's family.

So... we plan to stay out here for a few more years, until you, Boss, have truly established yourself in China and found your roots, then we'll go back to join you!

"Yes, yes, yes!" Lee Moo-guk (tomahawk)

Zhang Zheng (Tianlang)

Tang Long (sword)

Fang Rong (Xiong Ying) and others laughed and echoed his sentiments.

"When we go back to China to retire, you can't abandon us, boss!"

"Exactly! You're responsible for finding us jobs and paying our pensions!"

Everyone chimed in, half-jokingly and half-seriously.

Zeng Long listened to his brothers' words and silently clenched his fists.

He knew that these jokes might also contain some genuine feelings and uncertainty about the future.

They are brothers who have entrusted their lives to you, and you must have the ability to take responsibility for and protect their future.

"Strength... Power..." He silently repeated these two words in his mind, his eyes becoming more determined and profound.

After a brief conversation with his brothers, Zeng Long resumed his role as commander.

He spoke into the communicator, his voice steady yet carrying an undeniable authority:

Shenque, contact the rear support team and order them to come and take over and garrison the "Pearl No. 1" and "Hope No. 2" oil fields as quickly as possible.

Notify the D country's government forces to immediately send troops to assist in the defense.

Tell them that we've cleaned up the mess, and the remaining cleanup and stability maintenance work is up to them.

"Understood! Orders have been issued. The support team is expected to arrive within an hour. The D country's military has been notified and has indicated that it will fully cooperate."

Lin Xiaoya's response came immediately.

"Lightning, storm, blade, saber,"

Zeng Long's gaze shifted to the war-torn main control building.

"Go and bring our compatriots out, provide initial reassurance and necessary medical checks. Make sure everyone is safe and sound."

"Yes!" The four men accepted the order and quickly rushed to the basement of the main control building.

As they carefully opened the heavy iron gate,

Most of the 47 staff members from the Dragon Kingdom who were huddled together inside have regained consciousness, but they are still in a state of extreme fear and confusion.

A night of imprisonment and the intense gunfire outside had already brought their psychological defenses to the brink of collapse.

Upon seeing fully armed men, covered in blood and gunpowder, rush in, they instinctively trembled with fear.

However, when they saw the bright logo on the newcomer's armband, the dragon emblem on his helmet, and heard the familiar dragon language spoken with a strong local accent,

A tremendous shock and unbelievable ecstasy overwhelmed them instantly!

"It's the Dragon Kingdom's army! It's our army!"

"Our motherland has not forgotten us! Our motherland has come to our rescue!"

Many people broke down in tears on the spot; it was a tremendous release of emotions after surviving such a disaster.

It was also an exciting and proud moment to see the most powerful force of our motherland appear in our desperate situation as if divine soldiers had descended from the heavens!

"Comrades! We are the army of the Dragon Kingdom! You are safe! Our motherland has sent us to take you home!"

Jiang Tianhua (Lightning)’s voice was strong and reassuring.

The team members quickly and professionally checked everyone's physical condition, distributed drinking water and energy bars, and comforted their wounded hearts in a gentle yet firm tone.

At this moment, a middle-aged man who looked to be in his fifties and wore broken glasses came forward with the help of two people. He should be the person in charge here.

His voice trembled, but he tried to remain calm: "Excuse me...excuse me, who is the leader among you?"

Jiang Tianhua gestured and led him to Zeng Long, solemnly introducing him:

This is the commander-in-chief of our rescue operation, Chief Judge.

Mr. Sun immediately reached out and tightly grasped Zeng Long's right hand, his eyes instantly reddening, his voice choked with emotion:

Commander! Thank you! Thank you to the country! Thank you to the Party and the government!

Thank you... thank you for risking your lives and crossing oceans to save us...

He was so excited he was almost incoherent, "I'm the person in charge here, my surname is Sun... you can just call me Old Sun..."

He took a breath, his tone becoming worried:

Commander, it's like this... Many of us, especially the women and young technicians, were greatly frightened by this abduction, and are psychologically... extremely fearful and unstable.

They are just ordinary technicians after all, and they've never seen anything like this before... Do you think it's possible to arrange for them to return to their home country as soon as possible? To receive professional psychological treatment and recuperation?

Zeng Long grasped President Sun's hand in return, nodded firmly, and spoke in a steady and convincing tone:

"Mr. Sun, rest assured. This is just the first step in our plan. The best medical and psychological intervention teams in the country are on standby. We will organize the evacuation immediately."

After speaking, Zeng Long walked to the side, reconnected the encrypted communication, and spoke calmly yet with an invisible pressure:

"Connect with the highest military command of Country D."

A few seconds later, the line was connected.

"This is the Special Operations Commander of the Dragon Kingdom Military, codenamed Judgment."

Zeng Long's voice, transmitted through the radio waves, was clear yet cold.

Our unit has completed its assigned military mission.

All illegal armed forces occupying the "Hope No. 2" and "Pearl No. 1" oil fields have been completely eliminated. It has been verified that a total of 122 enemy soldiers were killed.

All 47 hostages have been successfully rescued and are now confirmed to be safe. There were no casualties.

He paused, then continued:

I hereby inform you that I will immediately lead my citizens to evacuate the war zone and travel to Country C to return to our motherland by plane.

Please order all your checkpoints, inspection stations, and troops along the route to cooperate unconditionally and allow passage, ensuring that the evacuation routes for our personnel are absolutely unobstructed and absolutely safe.

Any delays or interference will be considered hostile acts against the Dragon Kingdom, and you will be responsible for all consequences arising therefrom.

There was a deathly silence on the other end of the communication line for more than ten seconds.

All that could be heard was the other person's heavy, incredulous gasp.

Clearly, the generals of Country D were completely shocked by the news of its terrifyingly high efficiency and outrageously brilliant results!

They anticipated arduous negotiations, a lengthy rescue operation, and even a joint operation that might cost them significant casualties…

In a mere night, this was accomplished single-handedly by a seemingly small special forces unit from the Dragon Kingdom?!

And they annihilated an entire elite squad of the renowned "Timberwolves" with zero casualties in an absolutely crushing victory?!

"Received...Received! Commander of the Dragon Kingdom! Thank you so much! A miracle! This is truly a miracle in military history!"

The other person's voice was filled with extreme shock, awe, and even a hint of lingering fear and relief.

On behalf of the government and people of Country D, I express my highest respect and sincerest gratitude to you and your invincible army!

I immediately issued the highest order: all checkpoints and all troops must provide full support and convenience to any Chinese troops they encounter, giving them the green light all the way!

Ensure the absolute safety of the heroes and citizens of the Dragon Kingdom during their evacuation!

Zeng Long hung up the communication and immediately contacted the domestic authorities: "Connect with the Army Headquarters, General Liu."

The call was answered almost instantly, clearly the person on the other end had been waiting anxiously.

"Old Liu, mission accomplished."

Zeng Long's voice remained calm, as if he were reporting on a trivial matter.

The "Hope No. 2" and "Pearl No. 1" oil fields have been recovered.

All 47 trapped compatriots have been safely rescued and are in stable physical condition, but they have suffered severe psychological trauma and need to return to China immediately to receive professional psychological intervention and treatment.

We are organizing an evacuation.

Dragon Kingdom, General Staff Operations Conference Room.

General Liu's hand holding the phone trembled slightly with excitement, and his tiger-like eyes instantly blazed with unbelievable joy and pride!

Although he had already witnessed the power of Squad Zero, this time it was in an unfamiliar environment abroad.

Facing an elite mercenary force that far outnumbered their own,

They also had to balance attacking the enemy and protecting a large number of hostages in a very short period of time...

Such efficient, perfect, and near-flawless results still far exceeded his most optimistic expectations!

"Good! Good! Good lad! Well done! Damn, that was great!"

Old Liu was so excited that he said "good" three times in a row, his voice trembling slightly, and he even couldn't help but swear.

I immediately reported this to the head of state and all the leaders!

Rest assured, everything is ready in China. The best mental health experts, medical teams, and the most comfortable reception environment are all prepared!

We're waiting for our heroes to come home! You all need to evacuate as quickly as possible, and please be careful!

The news spread like a powerful shockwave, instantly reaching the conference room and even higher decision-making levels!

Every leader who heard the news was filled with immense shock, immense joy, and pride! The nation's most powerful weapon has revealed its brilliance! The might of the Chinese nation is on full display today!

Immediately afterwards, Zeng Long summoned Jiang Tianhua (Lightning), Wu Lei (Storm), Liu Feng (Blade), Li Wuguo (Battle Axe), and Zhang Zheng (Sirius), and gave them instructions:

Inform the Imperialist and Saidist militants who are active in the vicinity.

First, we must be vigilant and prevent reactionary armed forces from country D from taking advantage of the chaos to cause trouble.

Secondly, when we escort our compatriots to Country C, we will pass through their current areas of actual control or activity.

Let them receive the message in advance to avoid misunderstandings and embarrassing incidents.

Jiang Tianhua and Li Wuguo grinned simultaneously, their tone filled with absolute confidence and a hint of roguishness:

They dare! Don't worry, boss, we'll contact them right away.

We will ensure that when they see the Chinese army and their compatriots, they will be escorted through the country with the highest friendly military honors!

If any fool dares to cause trouble, you don't even need to lift a finger, boss, we'll go back and train them to death!

Just as Zeng Long was leading his team to organize the hostages to board the vehicle, preparing to evacuate this land that had just experienced the baptism of blood and fire,

Lin Xiaoya, the "Divine Sparrow," a guardian hidden in the digital world, has begun another crucial mission.

She recorded the entire combat process using drones, helmet cameras on team members, and surveillance equipment throughout the battlefield.

From the initial ghostly, silent infiltration to the thunderous, forceful breakthrough,

And then there was that final defensive counterattack, a true work of art, fought against overwhelming enemy reinforcements—

It has been carefully edited.

The video highlights the breathtaking tactical coordination among the members of the Dragon Return Squad.

Their individual soldier skills surpass human limits, and their terrifying strength crushes everything.

Especially Zeng Long (Judgment) and Ye Feng (Death God).

That sniper counter-suppression battle, a dance between death and fire amidst a hail of bullets...

The roar of Shi Tiezhu (the ferocious beast) was like a heavy firepower from an iron fortress.

Guo Wei (tank)'s precision heavy artillery roll call.

The scene of other team members efficiently reaping kills amidst the smoke and chaos was vividly portrayed.

Lin Xiaoya paid special attention to that part—the camera followed Zeng Long and Ye Feng's high-speed movement, evasion, and counterattacks.

The background sounds were the whistling of bullets and explosions, followed by a clear recording of their cold declaration:

"Soldiers of the Dragon Nation—'Judgment'!" (A gunshot rings out, the target falls.)

"Soldiers of the Dragon Nation—'Death'!" (Shot rings out, target shatters)

"Soldiers of the Dragon Kingdom—'Beasts'!" (Metal Storm Roars)

"Soldiers of the Dragon Nation—'Tanks'!" (Explosions roar)

Finally, the video freezes on the roar of the entire Dragon Return Squad during a lull in the battle, a roar that reverberated across the battlefield and contained unwavering faith and power:

"Dragon Kingdom! Dragon Return Squad! We'll destroy you all! Anyone who offends our Dragon Kingdom, no matter how far away, will be punished!!!"

Lin Xiaoya processed the final scene of the collective roar into a somber black and white tone, which added a solemn, dignified, and even chilling sense of intimidation!

This part has no additional explanation.

Only the most original and stunning battle sound effects and visuals,

And the video of that cold declaration and passionate roar,

After being encrypted, it is transmitted through countless untraceable anonymous nodes in the form of a "gift" from the "Ghost Guard."

At the same time, it was precisely sent to the highest intelligence agencies of the governments and militaries of major countries around the world.

And the core email addresses of the newsrooms of major international mainstream media outlets.

The video begins with only one line of cold, metallic text:

[To all followers: The interests of the Dragon Kingdom are inviolable. The citizens of the Dragon Kingdom are not to be insulted. Those who offend the Dragon Kingdom, no matter how far away, will be punished. —Ghost Guard]

One can imagine the reaction of policymakers and news editors around the world when they open this unexpected "gift."

Seeing that squad inside, seemingly from the future, with combat power so formidable it defied all expectations,

And how shocked, horrified, and even terrified they will be when the identity of the Dragon Kingdom is finally declared and the resounding oath is sworn!

The "ghost" of the Dragon Kingdom, with an absolutely dominant posture, announced its existence to the whole world!

Meanwhile, within China, the nation was completely ignited by this resounding victory abroad and this world-shaking "gift"!