Shi Min, Mushu, and the Camp Commander stood together, meticulously selecting Class C and Class A men from the battalion to join their elite group. The air was thick with focus and determination.

Ling Li observed silently for a moment, proud of the dedication and effort everyone put into their training. She approached Shi Min, who was demonstrating a precise move with a spear.

"Shi Min," Ling Li called, her voice cutting through the din of practice.

Shi Min turned, his face lighting up with a smile. "Mother, you're here."

"Yes, I wanted to see the progress and discuss Otako's mission further," Ling Li replied, her expression serious yet composed.

Shi Min nodded, signaling to Mushu and Pharsa to continue the training while he walked over to Ling Li. They moved to a quieter spot, away from the clashing of weapons.

"The preparations are going well. The men are showing remarkable improvement," Shi Min reported.

"Good. This group of men needs to be ready for anything. This mission is unlike any we've faced before," Ling Li said, her eyes scanning the training grounds.

Shi Min's expression mirrored her determination. "We'll make sure they are ready. Mushu and Pharsa are pushing them hard, and we'll continue to intensify their training."

Ling Li's gaze softened slightly. "Thank you, Shi Min. Your leadership and dedication are invaluable."

Shi Min bowed his head. "It's our duty, Mother. We will succeed."

Ling Li observed the training from afar before joining them.

Ling Li's words hung in the air, her voice firm yet reassuring. "There's no need for perfection. As long as they grasp the proper usage, it's good enough. Let's press on to the next lesson. Time is scarce, yet the knowledge awaiting us is extensive." Her eyes sparkled with determination as she approached Shi Min, Mushu, and Pharsa.

"They will perfect it in the actual battle," Ling Li continued, addressing the questioning looks she received. "The battleground." Ling Li uttered. They understood what she meant; it sent a shiver down their spines.

"Proceed to the next phase," Ling Li commanded.

Mushu decided it was essential to teach them how to help each other when bitten by wild animals. He demonstrated the delicate procedure of suturing a wound with precision, ensuring everyone understood the life-saving technique.

Ling Li watched with satisfaction. Just before the training ended, she stepped forward to give further instructions. "Arm them and send them to the battleground. No rifles. Leave three bullets per pistol. One spear, one bow, six arrows, a knife and a dagger, a medical kit, and water. There is no need for a sword."

"Mom, Paps, and Shun are in the group," Shi Min said uneasily, his voice tinged with concern.

"That is precisely the reason why I'm doing this," Ling Li replied with unwavering resolve. Shi Min could only remain silent, knowing he couldn't change his mother's decision.

Shi Min's heart raced as he meditated on his stepfather, Shun, and their comrades. The battleground was an impressive 100-hectare enclosed artificial forest meticulously crafted by Ling Li. It was a training ground like no other, designed to push them to their limits. Before dispatching their teams to the Amazon, they would immerse themselves in this unique environment. Unlike previous groups who had undergone three years of training, this team faced a condensed and intense preparation.

Shi Min's heart raced as he thought of his stepfather, Shun, and their comrades confronting a pack of wolves in the artificial forest. The dangers inside the battleground didn't stop at wolves; the forest was home to an array of the most venomous snakes imaginable, adding to the daunting threat.

The clear lakes were deceptively dangerous, teeming with poisonous and virulent fish. Every element of the forest was designed to challenge them, from insects to predators, creating an environment where only the strongest would survive.

The battalion commander and his subordinates personally prepared the team's arming. Shi Min, Mushu, Pharsa, and Ling Li conducted the final inspection, their faces reflecting a blend of pride and determination.

Ling Li approached Four Eyes, her expression both stern and affectionate. "Chu Yan, I will wait for you. Don't act brave and reckless. I will punish you," she said, her tone a mix of concern and resolve.

Four Eyes chuckled and pulled Ling Li into an embrace. "You are more nervous than me. Of course, I will come back, and I will be the one to punish you," Four Eyes whispered into Ling Li's ear, his breath warm against her skin.

"You still have time to joke!" Ling Li replied, shaking her head as she inspected Four Eyes' gear. Ling Li took one of his daggers and replaced it with an elite combat axe she pulled from her waist. "This is mine. I always carry it during my missions. And this." Ling Li handed Four Eyes a stunning knife, the 'Gem of the Orient,' which she pulled from her boot.

"Now, I'm giving these to you to remember me," Ling Li said, her voice softening. She knelt and placed the knife back into Four Eyes' boot, ensuring it was secure. Ling Li had fallen in love with the knife ever since she bought it from an auction for a hefty two million dollars.

Four Eyes looked at the knife, encrusted with emeralds and diamonds, and knew it was not an ordinary blade but a precious one. Four Eyes felt a warmth spread through him at Ling Li's gesture.

Four Eyes embraced Ling Li again, his heart swelling with emotion. "Don't worry, I will be okay, dear. I will be back. I love you, Ling."

"I love you too," Ling Li replied, burying her head in Four Eyes' chest. Four Eye was more than a head taller than Ling Li, and she felt safe in his arms.

"Really?" Four Eyes asked, his voice laced with surprise.

"Why?" Ling Li looked up at him, puzzled.

"This is the first time you have said these words to me. I have been waiting for you to say them," Four Eyes said, looking straight into Ling Li's eyes.

Ling Li realized she had never verbally expressed her love for him before and felt a pang of guilt. "Chu Yan, I love you. You should know it even if I didn't say it, right?"

"Um." Four Eyes hugged Ling Li tighter, a content smile on his face.

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