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

At a border military airport in Country C, the morning light, like a bucket of golden paint, spilled across the boundless tarmac.

The three majestic Y-20 large transport aircraft, painted with bright five-star red flags, were bathed in a warm glow.

Like giant steel birds that have safely returned to their nests after a long voyage, they quietly await the last passengers.

Zeng Long led the Long Hui team, escorting 47 hard-working staff members to this final gathering place.

Unlike the chilling, unsheathed blade they brought with them—

Although the group remained disciplined, a sense of oppression and deep sorrow, unique to those about to part ways, permeated the air.

It felt as if invisible threads were pulling at the air—

It was a bond of camaraderie forged through life and death, a bittersweet farewell to those about to be separated.

With the calm and efficient assistance of the team members, the oilfield staff began boarding the plane in an orderly manner.

They walked slowly, turning back every few steps—

His gaze swept over the soldiers, still covered in gunpowder and dust, their uniforms torn and stained with dried blood, yet their posture remained upright as pine trees, radiating an iron will.

His eyes were filled with the relief of surviving a disaster, and even more so with endless, indescribable gratitude and deep reliance on the warriors who had pulled him back from the brink of hell.

"Commander... thank you... thank you so much..."

A young female technician couldn't help but look back one last time before climbing the gangway—

He bowed deeply, almost at a ninety-degree angle, to Zeng Long, who was standing at the foot of the gangway.

Her voice choked with emotion, and tears welled up in her eyes.

Zeng Long raised his hand and returned a clean, crisp, and powerful military salute to her and to all the staff members who were looking at him.

His voice, even through the mask, remained calm and reassuring:

"Mission accomplished, duty fulfilled. Now that you're home, the motherland awaits you."

As all the oilfield workers disappeared through the hatch, the heavy gangway slowly retracted, leaving only the members of the Longhui team on the tarmac. They stood face to face, bidding their final farewell.

"Boss, we'll stop here."

Qi Liang (Phantom) stepped forward, representing all the team members who chose to stay.

Shi Tiezhu (Beast), Ye Feng (Grim Reaper)

Jiang Tianhua (Lightning), Wu Lei (Storm), Liu Feng (Blade)

Tang Long (Saber), Fang Rong (Eagle)

Li Wuguo (Battle Axe), Zhang Zheng (Sky Wolf)... everyone stood behind him.

Their identities are unique, and their current choice is to remain hidden in different corners of the world, like scattered stars.

We await Zeng Long's final "return" order once he has truly established himself in the country.

Zeng Long's gaze, almost tangible, slowly swept over every incredibly familiar face, each one etched with the marks of war and loyalty.

He patted Qi Liang on the shoulder heavily, then punched each of the other team members hard and gave them brief but powerful hugs.

Without many words, all the trust, entrustment, and reluctance were condensed in the actions between these men.

"Take care. Keep in touch." Zeng Long's voice was deep and clear. "Give me a signal if needed."

"Don't worry, boss! We'll wait for your call!"

Jiang Tianhua grinned, trying to lighten the somber mood of parting.

"If any fool in China dares to mess with you, tell us, and we'll go back immediately and have a serious talk with them!"

Wu Lei clenched his fist, his tone carrying his usual roguishness, but his eyes were incredibly serious.

Zeng Long took a deep breath, suddenly raised his voice, and roared as if giving an order on the battlefield:

Go now! Go back to your own homes, find your own mothers, and create your own miracles!

But remember all of this!

His gaze swept over everyone like a branding iron.

"They must all live! Live unharmed! Wait for me!"

Shi Tiezhu nodded vigorously with a simple and honest expression, and said in a deep, resonant voice:

"Okay! Boss, I'll be waiting for you!"

Ye Feng maintained his perpetually icy expression, merely nodding slightly, his eyes as cold as ever!

But upon closer inspection, one can see that the corners of his tightly pursed lips relaxed almost imperceptibly, showing a tiny, subtle curve—

It revealed the deep-seated emotional fluctuations beneath.

The massive transport plane's engines began to roar, the sound growing louder and louder.

Ultimately, it transformed into a deafening roar, propelling the massive machine forward and causing it to lift its head!

Finally, it broke free from Earth's gravity, soared into the azure sky, and gradually disappeared into the distance towards its eastern motherland.

On the tarmac, the remaining team members gazed at the sky for a long time, until the contrails of the planes gradually dissipated in the morning light.

They looked at each other, said nothing more, turned away in unison, and went their separate ways, like drops of water merging into the desert.

They quickly disappeared into the various exits of the airport, heading to their respective unknown but destined-to-be extraordinary battlefields.

Within the Dragon Kingdom.

Although the official details have not yet been released due to various considerations,

But "Dragon Returns Team Triumphs"—

The news of "Heroes Returning Home Today" had already spread throughout the country like wildfire through unofficial channels.

It completely ignited the long-suppressed passion of the entire nation!

Near an international airport (not a publicly known military airport, but surrounded by high-rise buildings and highways).

Although relevant departments have long implemented strict traffic control and airspace clearance measures, they still cannot completely stop the overwhelming enthusiasm of the people.

Several kilometers away from the airport, along the highway, on nearby hillsides, and even on the rooftops of some office buildings and high-rise residential buildings, large numbers of people spontaneously gathered early to welcome the airport!

They waved small flags vigorously, holding banners that had been hastily made overnight that read, "Welcome Home, Heroes!"

"Salute to the Dragon Return Squad!"

A red banner proclaiming "Those who offend our Dragon Kingdom, though far away, shall be punished!" drew everyone's eager gaze, their eyes searching the sky with anticipation.

When the sound of the plane's engines, like distant thunder, faintly came from the horizon, the crowd instantly erupted in cheers!

A deafening roar of cheers erupted, like a tsunami!

"They're here! They're here! Our hero has returned!"

"Dragon Return Squad! Ghost Guard!"

People jumped, shouted, and hugged each other excitedly, while countless mobile phones, cameras, and binoculars were all pointed in the direction from which the sound came.

Although they couldn't see the details of the plane at all, and were unaware that most of the heroes had not actually returned!

But the pride of being under the same blue sky as the heroes, and the excitement of resonating with the glory of the nation, are enough to make everyone's blood boil and their eyes fill with tears!

This is a powerful expression of a collective sense of national pride that originates from the depths of one's blood!

At a top-secret military airport, deep underground, in a large, dedicated hangar (landing point for special aircraft), the plane landed smoothly and slowly glided into the dedicated hangar shrouded in a huge shadow.

The hatch slowly opened.

Inside the hangar, the lights were on, and the atmosphere was so solemn and dignified that it was almost frozen in time.

Led by General Liu, a number of high-ranking military officers and important leaders from the General Staff and other relevant departments had been waiting here for a long time!

They were dressed in crisp military uniforms or dark formal attire, their posture upright like pine trees, their faces radiating undisguised excitement, pride, and anticipation.

The first to descend the gangway were the 47 staff members.

Although they still looked tired, a renewed light of hope had been rekindled in their eyes.

When I saw the high-profile and grand welcoming lineup below—

The immense sense of honor and security overwhelmed them once again, and many were instantly moved to tears, unable to contain their emotions.

"Welcome home! Comrades, you've suffered so much!"

General Liu stepped forward first, his voice loud and clear, and with genuine emotion, he shook hands firmly with each staff member who came down the gangway, shaking them vigorously.

"Thank you to the country! Thank you to the army! Thank you to our leaders!"

The staff members choked up, repeating these words over and over again; these were their most genuine feelings at that moment.

Then, Zeng Long appeared at the cabin door.

The moment he stepped off the gangway, the entire noisy hangar seemed to be silenced, as if a mute button had been pressed!

All eyes were on him.

A fully armed man, his face obscured, wearing a desert camouflage combat uniform stained with gunpowder, covered in dust, and even showing obvious damage and dark bloodstains.

His posture was as upright as a drawn sword, and his sharp, steel-like body seemed to still carry the cold, ruthless aura of overseas battlefields.

This contrasts sharply with the surrounding environment, where generals and officials are all impeccably dressed, creating a striking and visually impactful contrast, yet strangely harmonious and unified.

It was as if he were the true protagonist of this scene, a war god who had just returned from the front lines of blood and fire.

General Liu's eyes instantly reddened. He strode forward and stared intently at Zeng Long, who could not reveal his true face!

Without any pleasantries, he suddenly and precisely raised his right hand, giving Zeng Long a powerful and respectful military salute!

Behind him, all the generals, officials, and soldiers present simultaneously saluted Zeng Long in unison!

Silence speaks louder than words!

All the achievements, all the sacrifices, all the hardships, and all the glory are condensed in this solemn and silent military salute!

Zeng Long immediately straightened his legs, chest out, and head up, returning the salute cleanly and crisply with the most standard military posture and the most sharp and determined gaze!

The movements were vigorous and powerful, carrying the scent of gunpowder from the battlefield.

The ceremony is over.

General Liu stepped forward, grasped Zeng Long's shoulders tightly with both hands, his eyes filled with tears, and his voice trembled with emotion:

"Good! Well done! You're all great!"

His gaze seemed to pass through Zeng Long and see the team members who had not returned:

"They are all...the unsung heroes! The nation is proud of you! The people are proud of you! The nation and the people...will never forget them!"

Then, suppressing his excitement, he turned to all the staff and people present, his voice rising sharply through the loudspeaker and echoing throughout the huge hangar:

I hereby declare that, based on the judgment of Comrade [Name] and all members of the Dragon Return Squad he leads,

The outstanding contributions made in this major transnational rescue and military operation have been recognized by the highest military command and approved.

He paused, then announced in a solemn, historic tone:

"Comrade Judge, you are hereby awarded the honorary title of 'Hero of the Dragon Nation'! You are also awarded a Special Merit Citation!"

"The title of 'First-Class Combat Hero' is hereby awarded to the other twelve members of the Longhui Squad! They are also awarded a First-Class Merit Citation!"

The audience erupted in thunderous, sustained applause!

The generals clapped enthusiastically, their eyes filled with satisfaction! The oilfield workers clapped excitedly, laughing and crying at the same time!

All the soldiers applauded with burning passion!

General Liu gently patted Zeng Long's arm, his voice still choked with emotion:

"Tell them...tell every single one of them...the motherland and the people will never forget their outstanding contributions!"

Zeng Long saluted again, his expression remaining calm as a soldier, but deep within his eyes, a violent undercurrent was clearly surging.

This is the highest recognition and praise from the motherland and the people for their dedication, their abilities, and their loyalty!

Zeng Family Courtyard.

Grandpa Zeng sat alone in his quiet study!

The television screen in front of me was broadcasting news footage of the welcoming ceremony, which had undergone rigorous review and only showed a limited number of images.

In the image, although the face was obscured and the entire body was shrouded in combat gear, the person's upright physique and the incredibly familiar posture in walking, sitting, and lying down made him recognize the person at first glance—

This is Zeng Long, his grandson who was living away from home and whom he was both incredibly proud of and incredibly guilty about!

The old man's hand holding the teacup trembled slightly, causing the tea in the cup to ripple.

He didn't speak, but stared at the screen for a long, long time, his cloudy old eyes filled with incredibly complex emotions:

There is immense pride in watching his grandson achieve great things.

I felt a deep heartache thinking of the suffering he had endured over the years.

I am genuinely pleased to see how outstanding he is now.

There was also a heavy, relieved feeling.

In the end, all the words and thoughts turned into a long sigh, filled with the vicissitudes of time and endless emotion.

He leaned forward slightly, facing the blurry yet familiar figure on the screen, and murmured to himself in an extremely low voice, as if afraid of disturbing something:

Long'er... my good grandson...!

When will you finally be able to rightfully acknowledge your ancestors and return to your roots...?

When will I hear you call me Grandpa again...?

The old man's voice trembled slightly, carrying a deep longing and an unspeakable fear:

"Grandpa...Grandpa's old bones...I'm so afraid...so afraid I won't live to see that day..."

This passage contains far too many family secrets, regrets of the past, and profound love that are not meant to be shared with outsiders.

Li Weiguo is from the middle school.

Although Li Weiguo was still suspended from his duties for investigation, he learned about everything immediately through his special channels.

He sat alone in the dimly lit study, with the lights off, only the cold light from the computer screen illuminating his resolute yet slightly tired face.

When he saw Zeng Long receiving his medal on the screen, this man, who had weathered countless storms and was known for his iron will, couldn't help but feel a sudden surge of emotion and his eyes welled up with tears.

He clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles turning white from the force, and his body trembled slightly with extreme excitement and pride.

That's not just about his potential innocence and retaliation!

It was also for Zeng Long, and for the glorious achievements of those children he regarded as his own children! For the nation, it finally possessed such a powerful and reliable protective force!

"Good lad... well done... fucking brilliant!"

He spoke in a low voice, hoarse yet full of explosive power!

It's like a lion that has been lying in wait for a long time and is about to pounce out of its cage!

"Now... let's see how those clowns will manage to jump around like that!"

A sharp, eagle-like light rekindled in his eyes!

It was the look in the eyes of a hunter who had been lying in wait for a long time, patiently waiting, and finally seeing the dawn of a counterattack, about to unleash a thunderous storm.

The undercurrents within the country are about to be fully stirred up by this resounding victory abroad.