Arrival in Africa

Fang Lingtian observed Huo Xuan's stunned expression, his voice turning icy. "For X to make an exception and personally order us to take you on—that means you've got serious backing. With your connections, why risk your neck overseas?"

Huo Xuan had already steadied himself. His earlier reaction had merely been surprise. With a faint smile, he replied, "My life isn't worth more than any of yours. Why shouldn't I go?"

The moment those words left his mouth, something shifted in Fang Lingtian and Zhu Hong's eyes. They exchanged a glance, then nodded almost imperceptibly. Zhu Hong spoke first: "Good. Remember that. In combat, we're brothers—bound by life and death, honor and disgrace."

Thirty minutes later, the plane touched down on a small island airstrip. Five new figures boarded: three men and two women. Fang Lingtian introduced them—

First, Thunderstorm, a mountain of a man standing at 1.98 meters. Next, Ancient Rock, dark-skinned and taciturn. Then Leafblade, who never stopped flipping a throwing knife between his fingers.

The women were harder to ignore. One wore skintight black leather, her crimson lips and liquid gaze sending Huo Xuan's pulse racing. Code name: Rose.

The other, perpetually smiling and clutching a white handkerchief like a wealthy young madam, went by Yuan Xin.

After introductions, Rose sauntered over in that hip-swaying stride of hers. "Little brother," she purred, "thank you for saving my sister."

Huo Xuan blinked. Her sister?

Rose giggled. "You rescued Little Grass, didn't you? She just called—told me to take very good care of you."

Realization dawned. So this was Little Grass's sibling. "Just did what anyone would," he said.

Rose's eyes curved like crescent moons as she settled beside him. Once airborne, she leaned closer. "Tell me, little brother... do you have a girlfriend?"

Huo Xuan nearly choked. Little brother? Really?

After a beat, he answered flatly, "Yes."

"What a shame." Rose sighed dramatically. "And here I was hoping we could be... friends."

Up ahead, Fang Lingtian couldn't help but turn around. "Rose, stop teasing the rookie. He's here on X's personal orders."

Rose let out a soft humph. "Just joking. Relax."

The flight would take over ten hours. After some casual chatter, the team settled into meditation and rest.

Huo Xuan left his seat to practice Hunyuan Stance in the aisle. The moment he assumed the posture, Rose's eyes lit up. "Little brother, your form is impeccable—must've had a master teacher."

Huo Xuan replied flatly, "My shifu taught me."

Rose stood and faced him, grinning. "Then teach me."

At this proximity, Huo Xuan couldn't miss how her collar strained against the weight of her ample bosom, rising and falling tantalizingly. Her waist was slender yet toned, her skin flawless like a newborn's.

Suppressing a stir in his chest, he said, "Hunyuan Stance is simple. Surely you don't need my guidance?"

"Oh, but I'm quite the connoisseur," Rose purred, her gaze smoldering. "Your stance isn't just posture—it's paired with profound inner techniques."

The woman was blatantly seducing him. Huo Xuan activated his Buddha Eye's X-ray vision—and nearly choked. Those were definitely E-cups, topped with two enticing purple grapes.

Her legs, long and sculpted, might as well have been carved by Michelangelo himself. Huo Xuan's throat went dry. Such a waste if I don't bed her...

Noticing his laser-focused stare on her chest and abdomen, Rose flushed. "What are you looking at?"

Huo Xuan snapped back to reality, deadpan. "Rose, you're on your period. Will it affect the mission?"

Rose froze. Her cycle had just started—how could he know? She'd never guess he'd spotted the sanitary pad and its telltale stains through her clothes.

"I know some medicine," Huo Xuan said smoothly. "Your complexion gave it away."

Rose shot him a glare, abandoning her stance practice to return to her seat in fuming silence.

The next afternoon, the plane finally landed with a roar. Upon disembarking, the team immediately boarded three off-road vehicles. The welcoming party consisted of three men, one of whom—a middle-aged man in his fifties—reported grimly, "Yesterday, guerrillas attacked our construction site with rocket launchers. The damage was severe—over a dozen casualties, and work has been forced to halt."

Fang Lingtian remained composed. "We're aware. Resume operations tomorrow—we'll handle the rest."

The man looked skeptical. "We've got thirty armed guards here already. What difference can eight more people make?"

No one responded. Civilians could never grasp Team B's capabilities—each member was worth a hundred ordinary soldiers.

As the vehicles entered the camp, the scorching sun beat down on a sea of tents in the arid desert. Huo Xuan, experiencing Africa for the first time, scooped up a handful of sand—it burned at least 60-70 degrees.

Dozens of armed police patrolled the perimeter, dispatched from China to protect personnel and infrastructure.

An officer assembled his troops and marched over, saluting sharply. "Captain Xiao Jin and all personnel welcome your leadership!"

Though Fang Lingtian's group bore no visible rank insignia, the soldiers had been briefed: these were superiors requiring full cooperation.

Fang Lingtian returned the salute. "Captain Xiao, continue securing the site. Leave the rest to us."

"Sir!" Xiao replied without question.

Inside a spartan tent furnished with basic tables, chairs, and satellite comms, the middle-aged man served tea before joining the briefing.

Deputy Leader Fang Lingtian grilled him on local conditions and recent incidents. According to the account, this impoverished African nation housed over thirty historically warring tribes.

President Sosa, from the dominant Tiero tribe, commanded a 30,000-strong army that kept rival factions in check—at least superficially.

As the debrief concluded, Fang Lingtian's communicator buzzed. After reading the message, his voice turned grave: "Eat and rest early. We move tonight!"