Chapter Fourteen: Top Military Secrets

Appearing at the bay of Ludong Province, this time the perspective seemed to be that of a fisherman.

A massive wave surged toward the viewer, and just as everyone instinctively braced themselves with alarm, a person appeared at the crest of the wave, standing atop it. Strangely, the wave then ceased its churning motion. From the perspective shown, it seemed as if the person was pressing the wave down with their feet.

Indeed, the individual stood there with both feet planted on the wave, and as the wave gradually settled, the figure vanished from view as if into thin air.

One could surmise that the fisherman filming the video was rather dazed at the time. The footage skipped, and what followed were a series of still images—no longer video.

The images displayed featured numerous unknown species not recognized on Earth: serpents with nine heads, dragons and phoenixes from ancient Chinese texts, qilins, and qiongqi...

All these creatures appeared in scenes that felt remarkably real, as if straight from a movie.

...

When the images were finished, the person carefully folded up the white cloth and placed it back into the box, handling it with extraordinary caution.

The cloth was expensive, crafted from special materials, and involved a cutting-edge projection technology. As a highly classified military secret, it was no wonder the handler was so nervous.

When a phone projected onto this special cloth, it would automatically play videos or images.

Once the video ended, the squad leader surveyed everyone again. All faces were marked by astonishment and confusion—except for Xiao Jiang, who looked positively excited.

The squad leader thought to himself, This kid is really something else. Looks like I need to keep him in check, or he’ll definitely cause trouble.

“Xiao Jiang, do you have anything you’d like to say?”

“Squad leader, where did you find these videos and pictures? There’s not a single trace of editing! Only a top-tier special effects team could produce something like this. Was it made by a domestic team or an international one?”

The other nine couldn’t help but burst into laughter at his words, barely managing to stifle themselves after less than a tenth of a second, remembering they were still in a meeting.

Seeing the odd atmosphere, three black lines appeared on the squad leader’s forehead. He considered knocking Xiao Jiang on the head but remembered the need for seriousness during the meeting.

So, with a stern expression, he said, “Xiao Jiang, these videos and images are all real and extremely precious. The people flying through the air and walking on waves in the footage—they truly exist.

According to Bureau 49’s investigation, these individuals are most likely cultivators. Of course, there are other strange videos circulating online in small circles, but they’ve all been deleted.”

Even as he spoke, the squad leader found it hard to believe himself. After all, the military was strictly atheist. But if cultivators were now appearing, perhaps his days as a special ops squad leader were numbered.

He felt his inner resolve was strong—he could actually say these things aloud.

“Squad leader, you even know about cultivators? Lately the new cultivation novels on Departure Net haven’t been any good. Do you have any recommendations for good reads?” Xiao Jiang was clearly testing the bottom line.

As expected, the squad leader shot him a glare. “If you keep talking about things unrelated to the meeting, you’ll be standing outside as punishment for a whole day. I’ll make the entire squad come watch!”

Xiao Jiang realized he’d pushed the squad leader to the brink. Standing outside for a day wasn’t a big deal, but to be embarrassed in front of over a thousand people—that was another matter. He lowered his head, silent, not wanting to be made a spectacle.

The squad leader frowned and continued, “According to eyewitnesses among the tourists at Mount Tai a few days ago, it’s highly likely a first-rank demon beast has appeared.

Let me explain: a first-rank demon beast is equivalent to a Qi Refining cultivator from the novels, but since you all read different stories, you probably have little concept of how powerful that is.

Let me put it this way—according to Bureau 49’s strength classification, an average first-rank demon beast could defeat ten Xiao Jiangs.”

No sooner had he finished than the others, who had been suppressing their laughter, burst out once more, filling the tent with a cheerful atmosphere.

But when they considered that a first-rank demon beast was strong enough to overpower ten Xiao Jiangs, things suddenly seemed grave.

After all, Xiao Jiang was the four-time consecutive champion of the Central Theater Command’s Decathlon King competition—the demon beast’s prowess was not to be underestimated. And who knew if a second-rank demon beast might appear?

Realizing the seriousness, everyone quickly sobered up.

Seeing their earnest faces, the squad leader felt relieved and continued, “This demon beast is extremely dangerous. Nine tourists have recently gone missing at Mount Tai, most likely killed by the beast.

And that’s not all—over twenty have been seriously injured. According to survivors, ordinary firearms are probably ineffective against it.

Therefore, when you enter the mountain, you must carry 25mm heavy armor-piercing rounds, and move in teams of at least twenty. No one is allowed to act alone.

Xiao Jiang, look up. Don’t think that by lowering your head you can ignore orders. I’m talking to you. If you go off on your own again, I’ll strip you of your position. Last time during the anti-narcotics operation, you barged into the drug den alone.

If we hadn’t gotten there in time, every year at Qingming Festival, the whole squad would be lining up to pay respects at your grave. I didn’t even address that incident last time. Don’t cause any more trouble for me.”

The squad leader’s stern expression made it clear how serious Xiao Jiang’s insubordination had been.

“Understood, squad leader,” Xiao Jiang replied sheepishly.

The squad leader glanced at his watch. “It’s ten o’clock now. The army has just arrived and is still setting up camp. Some equipment is still en route, so there will be no action today. Rest for now.

Tomorrow morning, the first company will enter the mountain in teams of twenty—ten teams in all. Regardless of what you encounter, you must exit the mountain by noon.

In the afternoon, the second company will go in with the same numbers. All right, those going into the mountain tomorrow, go prepare.

Remember, if you encounter the demon beast, do not act rashly or alone. Immediately notify the others so we can capture it together.

This mission has no codename. The primary objective is to search for survivors, though there may be none.”