Jiangning, Eastern Domain Military Legion Headquarters.
Qin Yuanzheng, the Legion Commander, sat in his office, his back to a large "Wu" character, deep in thought.
Last night, after representing the Wu Department in inviting Jiang Wuming to join the Eastern Domain Military Legion's Guardian Squad, he returned to the legion headquarters and reported the situation in Sucheng and the news Jiang Wuming mentioned to Qi Wufu.
"Knock, knock—"
Suddenly, a knock on the door jolted Qin Yuanzheng out of his thoughts. "Enter."
Soon, the door was pushed open, and a middle-aged man entered. His rank and military title were the same as Qin Yuanzheng's—he was Zhu Shengxian, the Chief of Staff of the Eastern Domain Military Legion.
"Old Qin, Jiang Wuming has submitted the name and member details for the Eastern Domain Military Legion's Guardian Squad."
Zhu Shengxian, holding a document, walked directly to Qin Yuanzheng's desk and handed the document to Qin Yuanzheng with a somewhat peculiar expression.
"Where is Wuming?"
Qin Yuanzheng noticed Zhu Shengxian's unusual expression but paid it no mind, asking instead.
"He said he was going to the airport to pick someone up and would bring all the team members to report to you tomorrow," Zhu Shengxian replied.
"Pick someone up?"
Qin Yuanzheng paused slightly, then lowered his head to look at the document.
Eastern Domain Military Legion Guardian Squad Name: Zhan Long Squad.
Zhan Long Squad Member List: 1. Qin Xiaozhi, male, twenty-three years old, six-star warrior...
"Uh..."
When Qin Yuanzheng saw the first name on the squad member list, he widened his eyes in shock. He then carefully reread it three times, confirming he hadn't made a mistake. At that moment, he understood why Zhu Shengxian had that peculiar expression. He looked up at Zhu Shengxian and said,
"Shengxian, Xiaozhi was not arranged by me. Wuming said he wanted to decide the team member list himself. Old Zhou and Xia Xueqin can both testify."
"I could tell from your reaction just now."
Zhu Shengxian gave a wry smile. He could feel the shock Qin Yuanzheng displayed upon seeing Qin Xiaozhi's name.
That shock was identical to his own when he first saw the list!
Before coming here, he had wondered if Qin Xiaozhi had been arranged by Qin Yuanzheng.
The reason for his suspicion was that he knew how high the specifications were for these five squads—anyone who could join these five squads would become an absolute core member of the Dragon Country's Wu Department in the future!
But at this moment, he had his answer—Qin Yuanzheng had not abused his power for personal gain.
Qin Yuanzheng offered no further explanation, instead carefully reviewing the details of the other members.
After finishing, he set the document aside, pondered for a moment, and then directly picked up the phone to contact Jiang Wuming.
"Wuming, I heard from Chief of Staff Zhu that you're going to the airport to pick someone up. Is it convenient to talk?" Qin Yuanzheng spoke first as the call was quickly answered.
"Grandpa Qin, it's convenient, please speak."
Jiang Wuming sat in the passenger seat of the car, with Dongfang Xiaoyao driving, as they headed to Jiangning Airport.
"I've seen the Guardian Squad details you submitted. I have two things to explain to you."
Qin Yuanzheng paused here. Seeing that Jiang Wuming hadn't replied, he continued, "First, according to the latest news, the Wu Department establishing these five high-specification Guardian Squads is not only a major plan to resist extraterrestrial enemies but also an evaluation plan."
"Evaluation?"
Jiang Wuming was puzzled.
"Yes, evaluation. The Wu Department will be evaluating individuals among the members of the five Guardian Squads. Those who perform exceptionally will be heavily relied upon in the future, especially the captains of the five Guardian Squads!"
Qin Yuanzheng paused again here, then raised his voice, "The future Marshal of the Wu Department will very likely be born from these five individuals!"
"Uh..."
Jiang Wuming was stunned. He hadn't expected the Wu Department's establishment of Guardian Squads to have such a purpose.
However, Jiang Wuming quickly regained his composure and proactively asked, "Grandpa Qin, what is the second thing?"
Hm?
Jiang Wuming's reaction to the first matter deeply surprised Qin Yuanzheng.
The Wu Department is the most powerful department in Dragon Country!
The Marshal of the Wu Department is one of the most powerful individuals in Dragon Country!
Such a position is something many people dream of obtaining, yet Jiang Wuming seemed indifferent.
However—
Despite his surprise, Qin Yuanzheng did not dwell on the previous topic and instead stated the second matter:
"Elder Zhou reported the information you provided yesterday to the Marshal. According to you, the extraterrestrial enemies who will descend next will primarily be young martial arts prodigies, with strength around the three-star God of War realm.
And as of now, in Dragon Country and even globally, apart from you who possess the combat power of a three-star God of War, there is no other person among the younger generation who can resist a three-star God of War!
Therefore, after deliberation by the Wu Department Elder Council, the five major military legions can be equipped with one elder-level three-star God of War in each of the five Guardian Squads to ensure the team's safety.
You can think of him as a guardian in the martial arts world.
Wuming, will you find your own guardian, or shall I arrange one for you?"
"Grandpa Qin, can the Zhan Long Squad do without a guardian?"
Jiang Wuming pondered for a moment and retorted.
He knew that when many top martial arts forces' strongest disciples went on training missions, they were always accompanied by an elder-level powerhouse to ensure their safety. This was the origin of guardians.
"Wh—what?!"
Qin Yuanzheng was stunned on the spot, as was Zhu Shengxian beside him.
In fact, Jiang Wuming's reaction to the first matter had already greatly surprised them!
And now, hearing Jiang Wuming imply he didn't want a guardian to join the Zhan Long Squad.
"Wuming, according to regulations, it should be possible. However, the existence of a guardian can not only ensure the safety of the Zhan Long Squad but also help the Zhan Long Squad complete missions and stand out in the competition. Your strength surpasses that of the younger generation. With the assistance of a guardian, the Zhan Long Squad will undoubtedly be outstanding, and you will also become the strongest contender for the next Marshal of the Dragon Country Wu Department!"
Qin Yuanzheng spoke of the implications with a complex expression.
"Grandpa Qin, I have no interest in being the Marshal of the Wu Department. Besides, I am confident in protecting all members of the Zhan Long Squad safely, so the Zhan Long Squad does not need to be arranged with a guardian." Jiang Wuming stated his decision.
"Wuming, are you sure?" Qin Yuanzheng looked incredulous.
"Sure."
Jiang Wuming's reply was exceptionally firm.
"Alright, since you've decided that, I have no objections."
Qin Yuanzheng's expression was complex. After a moment of hesitation, he asked in front of Zhu Shengxian, "Wuming, lastly, I want to ask, is it because of me that you let Xiaozhi join the Zhan Long Squad and serve as the vice-captain, or because of your brotherhood?"
"Neither," Jiang Wuming replied.
"Neither?"
Qin Yuanzheng and Zhu Shengxian exchanged glances, seeing the confusion in each other's eyes, and then said, "Xiaozhi is just a six-star warrior. His strength is insufficient to join a Guardian Squad..."
"Grandpa Qin, you don't understand Xiaozhi, nor do you underestimate Xiaozhi," Jiang Wuming interrupted Qin Yuanzheng for the first time.
"What do you mean?" Qin Yuanzheng looked surprised.
"As he is now, he has the strength and ability to serve as the vice-captain of the Zhan Long Squad. In the future, he will become the pride of the Qin family and even the Dragon Country Wu Department!"
Jiang Wuming responded word by word, his tone exceptionally firm.
"Uh..."
Qin Yuanzheng and Zhu Shengxian were utterly dumbfounded.
They couldn't imagine what Qin Xiaozhi had done to earn such high praise from Jiang Wuming!
Why?
Jiang Wuming offered no explanation and directly hung up the phone.
Thirty minutes later.
Jiangning Airport.
Qin Xiaozhi and Xing Tian, carrying their backpacks, walked out of the airport exit and immediately spotted Jiang Wuming and Dongfang Xiaoyao.
Swish! Swish!
The two figures flashed, directly appearing before Jiang Wuming and simultaneously saluting him: "Report, Captain, Qin Xiaozhi and Xing Tian report to you on time!"
"Return to formation!"
Jiang Wuming smiled slightly and stepped forward to embrace them.
"Yes!"
Qin Xiaozhi and Xing Tian replied in unison, their faces beaming like children.
On this day.
The Dragon Country Wu Department's Zhan Long Squad was officially established.
The astonishing chess game of the Heavenly Dragon Daoist entered its second phase!
...