The Highest Reverence of the People

Jiang Xiaoci was a woman who valued efficiency above all. Once the plans were set, she completed the military deployment and personnel arrangements in just one afternoon.

Chen Dafeng had already been appointed and eagerly accepted the task of leading the expedition. This was thanks to Jiang Xiaoci's promise of higher work points and her emphasis that he would personally receive one-fifth of all resources gained from victories.

To command the troops and fight the battles of a superior, while still securing resources for himself—this was an opportunity too good for Chen Dafeng to turn down.

As night fell, Mike expected the army to quietly leave the city under Jiang Xiaoci's command. But to his surprise, Jiang Xiaoci didn't choose a discreet departure. Instead, she issued a new city-wide announcement.

"Regarding the Central Government's directive on [Expanding Disaster Relief Operations]..."

"It is currently 7:35 PM, and we are officially announcing the latest updates on the apocalyptic disaster response to all survivors in the city: The central government has highly praised and recognized Jinling's disaster relief efforts. The unity and bravery of Jinling's people stand at the forefront of the nationwide disaster response."

"The central government has clearly requested that the city's commanders extend their efforts to assist nearby cities, expanding the scope of relief operations. They must uphold the principle of 'greater ability, greater responsibility'."

"As the saying goes, 'When one is in trouble, all must come to aid!'"

"Based on our commitment to faith and disaster relief needs, the commander has appointed military leaders such as Chen Dafeng, Qin Dashan, and Lu Nianxin to lead teams on a long journey of disaster relief."

"The commander made a speech to the collective relief workers and soldiers: We must fight! We will win! We will remain strong!"

"We must prioritize the safety of the nation's people, ensuring that all livelihoods within the relief zones are protected. No matter the hardship, we stand at the forefront with courage, forming the strongest defense with our bodies and intelligence!"

"The commander issued clear orders: We must deeply comprehend the central government's disaster relief guidelines, taking the nationwide efforts as our own responsibility and resolutely preventing any threat to the safety of the people."

"Jinling Disaster Relief Command has received a joint order from the central government and the commander, and hereby announces to the city: The disaster relief team will depart at 9:00 PM sharp, heading to Xinchang!"

The announcement quickly spread across the city. Jiang Xiaoci chose to make her move with such fanfare.

Mike silently observed the official notice in the chat channel. He knew that Jiang Xiaoci was subtly nudging him to make up his mind.

By night's end, the entire city was aware of the news. The commander was stepping in to assist other cities with disaster relief, a welcome surprise for all survivors.

After the announcement, most survivors were thrilled. Some even posted images of red flags to express their pride.

"Jinling is making it big! We're on the front lines of disaster relief! Damn, this mission's going to bring us glory!"

"Where there's trouble, Jinling is the first to support! When we return to peace, the media better write a lot about us!"

"Usually, it's the people from Beijing or the Northeast who step up. This time, we're taking the lead?"

"Our commander is amazing! We support the central government's decisions and the commander's relief efforts!"

The general mood in Jinling was jubilant. In the city's increasingly stable disaster environment, the commander's decision to help other regions stirred national pride.

However, a few sharp-eyed individuals sensed something more behind the announcement.

No one doubted the commander's authority; such major actions clearly required approval from higher-ups. Yet, they understood that opening the door to such operations could eventually lead to widespread conflict across many regions. Commanders from different cities would likely resist interference in their own relief efforts, seeing it as a challenge to their authority, and a potential loss of control.

Disaster relief was about saving lives, but it was also about power. Some feared that a leader too obsessed with authority could cause major problems.

But everyone knew, in the context of national disaster relief, this had to be done. The higher-ups couldn't allow underperforming commanders to harm the people of their regions.

"It's Chen Dafeng? Who's he? He's leading this disaster relief mission?"

"Don't know Chen? He used to be the 'Little White Bear'... Everyone calls him Captain Chen now."

"What the hell? Little White Bear is leading the team? Xinchang's in trouble now!"

In the chat channel, some were in shock. Little White Bear was known for his brutal past.

Little White Bear Shelter: "Why's Xinchang in danger? What, you got something against me? You just can't forget the past, huh?"

The conversation immediately died down, everyone too nervous to speak further.

Chen Dafeng scowled as he glanced at the chat. Just a moment ago, he had been basking in the pride of the team's praises, comparing the mission to a long march, feeling a sense of unprecedented honor.

But once people heard he was leading the team, their attitudes shifted. They began expressing concern for the people of Xinchang.

What? Was his reputation for ruthlessness so infamous that they had to constantly bring up his past?

"Damn, I just want to strangle these annoying bastards."

Chen Dafeng clenched his fists. Beside him, Chen Xiaoling gently held his hand. "Brother, you've earned the commander's trust. Don't let this mess things up."

"They're worried about your past, that's all. If you keep improving, and stop doing things like before, they'll accept you."

Chen Xiaoling spoke softly, and though Chen Dafeng didn't need to hear it, he knew the truth.

"Humph!"

He grunted and stood up. "Old Lu, let's go! We're heading out!"

"Right, coming!"

Lu Nianxin followed him out the door but then glanced back at Chen Xiaoling. Lowering his voice, he said, "Sis, he's regretting it, but won't admit it."

"Right now, he's trusted and in a high position, but the people still bring up his past mistakes... He's probably wishing he had killed fewer people."

The people were simple and sincere. A mistake was a mistake, and even if you changed, they'd still remind you now and then. It was their form of honest supervision.

"A repentant man is worth gold, but if he slips up again, it will spark even more anger."

"Lu! Nian! Xin!"

Chen Dafeng suddenly turned and glared at Lu Nianxin, his eyes full of menace. "You going or not? If not, I'll have the commander replace you!"

"Alright, alright, I'm coming."

Lu Nianxin hurried after him, grinning. "You've got such a bad temper, and your sister wants you to change. But you won't listen."

"I don't need to change for you."

Chen Dafeng shot him a sidelong glance. "You've got a big mouth, always talking behind my back."

"Big Brother, you really don't feel bad about what you said to me?"

"I don't think you'd feel bad."

"Then touch my heart, it really hurts."

"Lu Nianxin, you disgust me!"

As the two left, Chen Xiaoling sighed, her heart heavy with worry. In these troubled times, those who were capable naturally found themselves in larger roles.

She knew that whether her brother's path led him to light or darkness, he would undoubtedly shine brightly.

...

At 9 PM, the military convoy slowly drove through the city's main road, heading out of the city gates.

The closer they got to the outskirts, the denser and more intense the fungal infection became. The city's efforts to clear the killer fungi had not been fully completed, leaving many areas still covered by the deadly spores.

Chen Dafeng's team was strong enough to face the threat without fear.

"Captain Chen!"

A soldier suddenly spoke from the command vehicle, "We've spotted firelight ahead!"

"Huh?"

Chen Dafeng jumped out of the vehicle and climbed to the roof to scan the area.

He saw flickers of light at the end of the dark street, and as the convoy drew closer, he realized they were survivors holding various light sources, standing in rows on both sides of the street. Some were armed, hacking at nearby fungi or sprinkling chemicals to clear more space.

But most of them were focused on the approaching military vehicles.

"What are they doing?" Lu Nianxin poked her head out, curious.

"Trying to ambush us?"

"Bullshit!"

Chen Dafeng glanced at her. "They're sending us off."

"Sending us off? That sounds ominous."

"What's ominous about it? Only heroes get this treatment. You wouldn't understand."

Chen Dafeng sneered, then his expression turned serious again.

Standing on top of the vehicle, motionless, he appeared like an unyielding statue, enduring the harsh wind and heat of the night.

Lu Nianxin looked up at him.

For a moment, she realized he was suppressing a deep emotion, trying not to show weakness.

The air was thick with silence.

No one spoke as the convoy moved toward the city's outskirts, but the streets grew increasingly crowded with survivors.

These were not weak individuals—they had come out on their own, walking under the cover of darkness to silently see the rescue team off.

It was a silent, reverent gesture, a sign of the highest respect from the people.

"Sure enough, the commander has great prestige," Lu Nianxin murmured, understanding the deep emotions Chen Dafeng was trying to hide.

When an army marches with a mission, with faith in their hearts, they are truly invincible.

Suddenly—

An eerie scream pierced the quiet night.