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It was the late days of winter in the southern region, and the firing range occupied a spacious expanse amidst the mountainous terrain. The wind, brisk and biting, swept through.

The flag that Wang Ye had been carrying was now hung on a not-so-tall flagpole nestled in a corner of the firing range.

“Whoosh…”

The flag fluttered, its fabric resonating.

Even though the recruits’ faces were numbed by the cold gusts, their hearts burned with determination.

Wu Jianfeng stood before the assembly.

“Comrades, after over two months of rigorous training, you are on the cusp of embracing your inaugural shot in your military journey.

This marks an entirely fresh outset for each and every one of you.”

With a brief pause, Wu Jianfeng continued, “1 am well aware that in private, all of you brim with confidence, especially having learned the art of aiming with firearms. Your self-assurance is palpable, and the shooting range awaits your display of prowess.

Today, here you stand.

Whether it’s a mule or a horse, we can pull it out and parade it.”

At this juncture, Wu Jianfeng’s lips curved into a smile. “1 can transparently inform you that during my days in the recruit company, 1 achieved a bullseye on the fiftieth ring. And it’s due to this achievement that 1 was bestowed a third-class merit!”

As Wu Jianfeng articulated this, the regimental commander, positioned behind him alongside the chief of staff, registered a momentary bewilderment. Shortly after, their gaze converged upon Wu Jianfeng.

The Chief of Staff, too, mirrored this reaction.

Yet, Wu Jianfeng remained unfazed by their reactions.

Observing the stir within the formation, he promptly bellowed, “Hush!”

Once the commotion among the recruits was quelled, Wu Jianfeng raised his voice anew, “Next, let us extend our welcome to the regimental commander for his address. Everyone, let’s offer him a round of applause…”

“Pa pa!”

In that instance, applause erupted fervently.

A third-class merit—the sight of such an accolade had graced their presence once again. It was only now that many recruits realized that such an honor was attainable through marksmanship.

Hence, upon witnessing their regimental commander stepping up to speak, they promptly commenced clapping with vigor.

Each one sought affirmation from their regimental commander.

Affirmation of the accuracy of the tidings.

Wu Jianfeng turned on his heel. With a genial expression, the regimental commander approached. He didn’t cast a glance at Wu Jianfeng nor directed any words his way.

However, in this very moment, Wang Ye’s concern for him grew.

He had instructed Wang Ye to devise a means for the regimental commander’s acquiescence, and Wang Ye had surmised it was some other stratagem.

Little did he anticipate that this would be the approach.

A third-class merit!

If the regimental commander hadn’t initially contemplated such a scheme this year, wouldn’t this turn into a compelled concession?

Even with this scheme, Wu Jianfeng’s actions were unlikely to endear him to the regimental commander. They might even stoke the commander’s ire.

Wang Ye wasn’t a guileless youth. He discerned the stakes at play.

To state it frankly, Wu Jianfeng was wagering his future today to assist him.

“Fuck!”

Amidst the ranks, Wang Ye’s fists clenched with fervor.

This individual had asserted that his approach was rather blunt. He’d never consent, he insisted.

Despite their brief acquaintance, Wu Jianfeng had genuinely treated him well.

A third-class merit held no sway over him. It merely embellished his resume. He already possessed two such distinctions. A third would be a bonus.

It was the sort of pursuit that could be contested, yet not necessarily imperative.

“Hehe, my comrades are all brimming with enthusiasm!” In this instant, the regimental commander addressed the assembly.

Sporting a gentle smile, he shed the air of a regimental commander’s formality. It was as if Wu Jianfeng’s words had left no mark on him.

“When I see you, 1 feel like I saw myself in the past. I’m still full of vigor and youth.”

The regimental commander chatted casually, in no haste to broach the subject of the third-class merit. Nor did he delve too deeply into tales of marksmanship.

In fact, he commenced narrating anecdotes, conjuring memories from days gone by.

Yet, the audience remained very interested.

For the regimental commander was recounting his experiences on the battlefield.

Yes, the regimental commander had indeed seen the battlefield before.

The battlefield of over two decades past.

“Why did you do that?” Beside the regimental commander, the chief of staff lingered. Wu Jianfeng returned, positioning himself adjacent to the chief of staff.

The Chief of Staff cast a sidelong glance at him, his query soft-spoken.

“Hehe, 1 didn’t mull over it much. 1 just aimed to kindle some fire within these youngsters.” Wu Jianfeng feigned innocence.

The Chief of Staff glanced his way but refrained from comment.

He remained uncertain as to Wu Jianfeng’s motives.

The deed seemed a tad brash, yet it had been executed. Retrieving it was an impossibility now.

“Do you fathom the reason we’re christened the Iron Bones Hero Squad?”

In this moment, before the formation, the regimental commander, who had earlier shared anecdotes from bygone wars, suddenly raised his voice.

No response ensued. The leader pressed on, “Because we are unyielding.

In those times, stationed on the border, our regiment defended a pivotal position.”

“Two months have lapsed,” the regimental commander proclaimed, his finger pointing southward. “Originally numbering over i,8oo, our ranks dwindled to a mere 6oo.

More than half among them sustained injuries or met their demise. Nevertheless, our unit stood unwavering, repelling innumerable enemy assaults without yielding an inch.

Iron Bones—such was the toll exacted by the conflict, exacted from our regiment’s blood and bones.”

To be candid, in this instant, every recruit, Wang Ye included, was jolted.

Though the war was not part of their personal experiences, the regimental commander’s account was laconic.

However, the sheer numerical contrast alone conjured a harrowing picture of the era.

Over i,8oo had commenced, yet a paltry 6oo persisted.

Their resolve held strong for two grueling months.

It proved unfathomable the burden the regimental commander and his compatriots had borne during that period.

After a brief pause, the regimental commander pressed on, “Now, we’re aged. Aside from those who’ve passed, but a scant few of my veteran comrades remain within the military encampment.

“While I’m cognizant that even after many years of retirement, should our motherland beckon, they could still wield arms and partake in battle.

However, time could not be traced back. Our physical fitness is declining, our vision is declining, and our overall physical fitness is declining. If we really go to the battlefield, we won’t be able to do what we did back then.”

At this point, he looked around at the recruits in front of him.”However, every generation has its own talents, and each generation is stronger than the previous. We are old, but we have you now.

Soldiers are akin to a relay baton.

Presently, as a battle-seasoned veteran, 1 entrust this baton to you!”

His eyes ablaze with ardor, the regimental commander locked his gaze on the assembly. He cried out, “Are you prepared to receive this baton?”

“Be ready at all times!”

Nearly a hundred recruits had not practiced nor felt the need to. With their grip firm upon their steel spears, they held their heads high and chests out, responding resoundingly.

“Excellent, but it’s not enough. Let me ask you, are you ready to inherit the fighting will of your ancestors and stand firm on the battlefield?” The regiment commander stared at everyone and continued to ask loudly.

“Be ready at all times!” The response echoed, the proclamation more fervent.

“Are you ready to sacrifice yourselves for your country and the people?”

” Be ready at all times!”

A resounding cry reverberated across the expanse of the vast firing range.

“Ha-ha! Marvelous, truly marvelous. Your voices resonate with vigor and vitality. 1 trust in you!”

The regimental commander chortled, his gaze now shifting toward the firing range. “Very well then, heirs to valor, brace yourselves to discharge the inaugural round of your military odyssey!”

“Oh, one more thing!” With a sudden smile, the regimental commander pivoted on his heel. “Your company commander also shared that he attained a full-score third-class merit in marksmanship.

Today, 1, too, pledge this—If, by day’s end, you achieve fifty points, 1 shall forthwith bestow upon you a third-class merit!”