Strongest Soldier King

The next morning, in a certain military forbidden area's courtyard.

Mr. Li looked at Luo Zheng and Lan Xue with a loving expression, a smile full of warmth in his half-closed eyes. Charlie was a notoriously troublesome figure, someone who had irritated the National Security Department, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to no end, yet they were helpless against him. As a top-secret agent from the Sam Country Strategic Intelligence Bureau, he came to the country on a mission very suddenly, without any prior information, which made even Mr. Li break into a sweat. Unexpectedly, Charlie not only failed his mission but was also killed on the spot.

"Well done, you made me proud." Mr. Li said happily, looking at the two, a satisfied smile on his face. His gaze moved from Lan Xue to Luo Zheng's face, and he continued with a chuckle, "Before you came, that rascal Xue Er's father called. I issued a strict order: if he dared to oppose your marriage, I'd flay him alive. You both can rest assured."

"Thank you, Sir." Luo Zheng beamed with joy upon hearing this and looked at Lan Xue.

Lan Xue bashfully lowered her head, a hint of blush on her usually cool face, gently tucking a strand of hair behind her ear, exuding endless charm. This bashful moment was etched in Luo Zheng's mind, who smiled knowingly and asked, "Uncle Lan didn't give any other instructions?"

"You're quite shrewd, no wonder our picky Xue Er took a liking to you. Very thoughtful, indeed. That rascal spoke of the agreement between you two, and if there were evidence, I'd eradicate the Song family." Mr. Li said, his expression turning grim, a chill emanating from his eyes.

Luo Zheng nodded in understanding. Lan Xue's mother was Mr. Li's own daughter. Her assassination was an eternal pain in Mr. Li's heart. Due to a lack of evidence, he had to endure the humiliation. The room fell into silence as everyone reflected on their thoughts. After a while, Mr. Li suddenly said, "This matter was originally unrelated to your wedding, but I still agreed to that rascal's request. Consider it this old man's request."

"I dare not, please rest assured, Mr. Li, I will complete the mission." Luo Zheng said solemnly, standing up promptly to pledge his commitment.

"Sit down, don't be tense. This is an old case, I've had Hong Meihua gather related intelligence, but found no evidence so far. Don't feel pressured; regardless of avenging my daughter, your affairs are of no worry." Mr. Li said, satisfied.

"Yes, but." Luo Zheng glanced at Lan Xue hesitantly, then summoned the courage to continue, "A man should keep his word, but could we possibly have more flexibility with our timeline?"

"You mean the two-year agreement?" Mr. Li smiled, seeing Luo Zheng nod awkwardly. Pleased with the responsibility and integrity, Mr. Li continued, "Two years isn't short, but there are objective reasons. If I didn't schedule your tasks so tightly, you'd have ample time for training. However, it's commendable that you've improved your eyesight under such high-intensity tasks. I've reviewed your comprehensive evaluation report, and with your current capabilities, you are fully qualified to be an Elite Soldier King."

"But I'm still some ways off from becoming the Strongest Soldier King, could we extend it by another two years?" Lan Xue interjected.

"You aren't even married yet, and you're already leaning outward?" Mr. Li laughed at Lan Xue, making her blush and lower her head in playful chastisement. His warm gaze returned to Luo Zheng, and he continued, "If you trained at the base for a year, I believe you could acquire the skills of the Strongest Soldier King. But the strength I seek is not merely skill; it's real combat experience, authentic strength, withstanding the test of blood and iron. To reach this level, constant battle is necessary."

"Please be assured, Sir." Luo Zheng quickly affirmed.

"Yes, I have confidence in you. Achieving Elite Soldier King level under such a high-density task state is remarkable. With more than half a year left in the term, which indeed seems tight. I can grant you another two years, or if you could find the evidence of my daughter's assassination as a betrothal gift, how about that?" Mr. Li said, looking at Luo Zheng with a hopeful gaze.

"Grandfather?" Lan Xue became anxious upon hearing she'd have to wait another two years.

"Why, in such a rush to get married?" Mr. Li chuckled and replied.

"I'm already 22, I'll be 24 in two years, a big girl by then. What if he doesn't want me anymore?" Lan Xue said, blushing. Though Lan Xue had inexplicable trust in Luo Zheng, naturally not worrying he'd abandon her, she didn't want to add pressure on him, nor make her marriage a means of trade. Once could be a push, but twice feels like exploitation. Her uneasy gaze found Luo Zheng.

Luo Zheng was looking back at that moment, caught Lan Xue's worried eyes, stunned for a moment, then comprehended, offering a reassuring look back, facing Mr. Li, he declared with a solemn expression, "Thank you, Sir, for your trust and support. I understand. Rest assured, I will give you an explanation."

"It's good that you understand. I believe Xue Er's mother, her spirit in heaven would be comforted by your response." Mr. Li smiled with satisfaction, his gaze filled with impishness towards Lan Xue.

Lan Xue froze, quickly realized her grandfather was testing Luo Zheng. Relieved at Luo Zheng's apt response, she breathed out and playfully complained, "Grandfather, you... never mind, let's talk business."

"This is business too?" Mr. Li smiled, seeing Lan Xue about to get genuinely upset, he collected his jest, his face turning sober as he continued, "There are three days left; ensure no rear interference for General Liu. Although Charlie is dead, many assassins are dead, there are still many eyeing the opportunity, we can't be careless."

"Yes." Luo Zheng and Lan Xue replied in unison, faces turning serious. In the face of a mission, no one dared to be careless, let alone sloppy.

"The Intelligence Team caught wind some special agents are watching, looking for an opportunity. Be careful, General Liu's mission has reached a critical phase, absolutely no interference allowed. Contact immediately if support is needed, I've coordinated with the National Security Department and the Ministry of Public Security, they're on standby." Mr. Li solemnly instructed. His original worry was that Luo Zheng might become arrogant due to success, leading to conceit, which was also why he called the two over. Seeing them as calm as always, he secretly sighed in relief, but what needed to be instructed had to be instructed.

"Yes." Luo Zheng and Lan Xue affirmed.