Glory of Special Forces Recap, Plot, Synopsis

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Glory of Special Forces Synopsis

Born in a military family, Yan Poyue enlisted in a detachment of the armed forces in order to prove himself to his father at the time of the entrance exam.

During the training of new recruits, Yan Poyue’s training results were amazing, but he was not favored by the squadron leader Li Qiang and was assigned to the special operations squadron cooking class.

The cooking class had undiscovered talents, so Yan Poyue restrained himself and worked hard.

Due to his outstanding performance, Yan Poyue participated in the selection of the armed forces special operations team.

In order to achieve the heroic dream, Yan Poyue once focused on himself and neglected the team.

The harsh environment and difficult task made him realize his inadequacy.

With the help of his comrades, he finally realized the importance of the team and the true meaning of the spirit of collectivism, understanding the good intentions of the old squadron leader Li Qiang, once the king of soldiers, who continued to sharpen himself.

In the test of life and death one after another, Yan Poyue continued to grow, and became an excellent armed police special operations team member.

Glory of Special Forces Recap

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Episode 1 Recap

A joint operation between China and M nation was underway to dismantle the Red Scorpion drug cartel, which had long terrorized Southeast Asia. The cartel had previously attacked an international humanitarian aid team, causing casualties and seizing relief supplies. With an undercover agent's identity compromised and their life in danger, the Cheetah Commando was dispatched to rescue the agent and apprehend the criminal leader, Xing Tian. The commandos stealthily infiltrated the target location, with each unit confirming their objectives.

Reconnaissance had identified key enemy positions, including two on a tower with a heavy machine gun, one on each floor of the east corridor armed with automatic assault rifles, one on the rooftop also with an automatic assault rifle, at least two inside the building with unknown weapons, two enemies at the door carrying assault rifles, and one enemy on the second floor.

After receiving the action signal, "Tiger Fang One" through "Tiger Fang Five," and "Tiger Claw One" all confirmed their targets and prepared to move. They successfully eliminated the guards outside, and the path to their primary target was clear. Inside, they found "Target Two," the undercover agent, who was rescued after confirming his identity with the code: "Dispatch me in the first battle, victory will be assured."

However, as they were about to extract, their drone's signal was jammed, plunging them into an unknown situation. Soon, the enemy discovered their presence, and a fierce firefight erupted as hostiles surrounded the "Tiger Fang" platoon. Snipers were spotted, and the retreat route was obliterated by the drug traffickers' heavy fire. In a desperate move, Yan Poyue used his body to create a temporary bridge for his comrades and the wounded agent to cross.

After intense exchanges, they took cover in a small building. When a grenade was tossed inside, Yan Poyue eye-catchingly grabbed and threw it back out. Enraged, Xing Tian escalated the attack, unleashing a barrage of artillery. Despite suffering from a painful ringing in his ears after the explosion, Yan Poyue stood firm, continuing to fight until he was shot and fell into the river.

Even then, an unyielding fire burned within Yan Poyue; he was a Cheetah, and he was fearless. Years earlier, during enlistment season, new recruits arrived at the Mobile Regiment. Li Xiang, the company commander of the Tiger Special Forces Company, was assigned as the new recruit company commander, known by some as "Psycho King." He quickly demonstrated why.

Upon inspecting the bus that brought the recruits, Li Xiang was furious to find wasted food, chastising them for not deserving to wear a military uniform if they couldn't even cherish food. He commanded them to pick up and eat the food they had discarded. Only two seats in the entire bus were spotless, belonging to Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, who were junior high classmates and now comrades.

When asked why they joined the military, Xiao Yun Jie gave a patriotic answer about serving the country, but Yan Poyue's response was simple and honest: "To grow strong." The recruits were then ordered to run ten laps, a punishment that quickly left many struggling, including Lu Xiao Tian, who tried to grab onto Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie for support. Squad Leader Zhang Tian Yang, misinterpreting the situation, admonished them for "helping" others.

Yan Poyue, frustrated by the disorganization of the run, bluntly stated that the current method was problematic and offered to run for everyone. Challenged by Zhang Tian Yang to do better, Yan Poyue stepped forward and, with Xiao Yun Jie's enthusiastic support, declared themselves temporary company commander and vice company commander, recruiting four platoon leaders.

He rallied the new recruits by vividly describing an imaginary feast of mutton soup, complete with chili oil, promising they could have it if they followed his commands and finished the laps. The motivation worked, and the recruits, invigorated by the thought of food, ran with surprising energy. Zhang Tian Yang, though initially annoyed, reported the unusual situation to Li Xiang, who secretly approved, recognizing Yan Poyue's leadership potential.

Li Xiang, seeing them continue to train, made a phone call to ensure water and food were sent to Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, who continued their training even after completing their ten laps. Years later, Yan Poyue would reflect that while being one step ahead makes a genius, being two steps ahead makes a lunatic.

He understood Li Xiang's actions were to humanize them in the eyes of others, proving that even "demons" could experience thirst, hunger, and exhaustion. During morning drills, Yan Poyue's turns and movements were exceptionally precise for a new recruit. Li Xiang inquired where he had learned such perfect drills, but Yan Poyue remained silent, protecting himself by refusing to answer. This refusal only added to his mysterious aura, making him the most captivating new recruit in the regiment.

In the barracks, Lu Xiao Tian regaled Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie with tales of the "Dragon, Tiger, and Dog" – three legendary figures in the regiment, with Li Xiang being "The Tiger." They expressed a desire to meet the enigmatic "Dragon." However, their superior physical performance didn't translate to internal affairs; Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie's poorly folded blankets severely lowered the squad's housekeeping score, earning them a punishment to practice folding blankets outside the dormitory.

The next morning, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie's blankets were miraculously transformed into perfect "tofu blocks," stunning their squadmates like Lu Xiao Tian. Their secret, however, was quickly uncovered: two iron doors from the army cookhouse had gone missing. An investigation revealed that Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie had taken the doors, placed their blankets between them, and then, by tricking the vehicle company, had a truck drive over them twice to flatten them.

Li Xiang was furious, scolding them for destroying military property and deceiving their superiors. Though both Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie tried to take sole responsibility, Li Xiang ordered them to carry the heavy iron doors back to the army cookhouse as a public display of their "glorious achievement." As they painstakingly hauled the doors, Xiao Yun Jie casually remarked on the beauty of a passing female officer.

Yan Poyue, focused on their punishment, dismissively told him he sounded like he'd never seen a woman before. Unbeknownst to them, Li Xiang had overheard their conversation. With a knowing smirk, he informed them that the officer was Ai Qianxue, the youngest Staff Officer in the regiment, subtly implying their comments were inappropriate. He then instructed Xiao Yun Jie to loudly repeat his previous remark to the Staff Officer.

Episode 2 Recap

Company Commander Li Xiang convened the new recruit company and forced Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie to loudly repeat the comments they had made about Staff Officer Ai Qianxue earlier. Not content with that, he ordered Zhang Tian Yang to take them to the front of the canteen and make them repeat the same remarks two hundred times. Instructor Chen Min Tao felt Li Xiang's punishment was excessive, arguing it would reflect poorly on their company.

However, Li Xiang dismissed his concerns, stating it was better for them to be embarrassed now than to risk their lives later. As Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie loudly carried out their punishment, Ai Qianxue herself appeared at the canteen. Being the only female officer in the headquarters, she was displeased by their public display. She confronted them, asking why they were shouting such inappropriate things. Yan Poyue explained they were following Company Commander Li Xiang's orders.

Chen Min Tao quickly intervened, attempting to smooth things over by claiming Li Xiang’s command was a "spiteful remark" taken too seriously by the new recruits. Ai Qianxue, however, declared that she didn't care for Li Xiang's training methods but that Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie were too audacious and needed proper discipline.

She made sure to remember their names: Xiao Yun Jie and Yan Poyue, before leaving a message for Li Xiang through Chen Min Tao that she would "surely visit him one day." Xiao Yun Jie later teased Yan Poyue about his intense competitive spirit, then pondered their situation as new recruits despite Yan Poyue's "ten years" of "military age" as described by his father. He openly questioned Company Commander Li Xiang's strict disciplinary approach.

Their outspokenness soon drew the ire of Zhou Zi Jian and his group, who had "been tolerating" their arrogance for too long. Xiao Yun Jie was ready to fight, but Yan Poyue calmly stopped him, suggesting they settle their differences during grappling training the next day, with the loser fetching water for the winner for three days. During the training, Yan Poyue swiftly overpowered Zhou Zi Jian.

After the whistle, Zhou Zi Jian attempted a cheap shot, but Yan Poyue quickly countered with a "blood choke" hold, almost rendering Zhou Zi Jian unconscious until Zhang Tian Yang intervened. When asked who taught him such a technique, Yan Poyue simply replied it was a "stress response." Later, another squad leader praised Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie's physical prowess.

Zhang Tian Yang explained that while Xiao Yun Jie had amazing stamina, he was less skilled in marching and firearms. Yan Poyue, however, excelled in every aspect, from grappling to obstacle courses, often outperforming Zhang Tian Yang. He noted that Yan Poyue's "blood choke" technique was a lethal move used by 1980s scouts, now abandoned by regular units due to its danger, reinforcing Yan Poyue's reputation as an anomaly.

Xiao Yun Jie often joked that Yan Poyue was "hormone-fueled" and constantly needed to train. Later that night, Zhang Tian Yang found Yan Poyue training alone. He pointed out that while Yan Poyue trained harder, Xiao Yun Jie surpassed him in team spirit. Zhang Tian Yang recounted an incident during a 5-kilometer run where Lu Xiao Tian fell and signaled for help; Yan Poyue ignored him, but Xiao Yun Jie helped him up.

Yan Poyue conceded that Xiao Yun Jie was "more helpful" but dismissed Lu Xiao Tian as someone who "will only drag us down." Zhang Tian Yang tried to impress upon him the importance of unity and mutual assistance as a fundamental part of military service and the necessity of team spirit among comrades, even asking what Yan Poyue would do if Lu Xiao Tian fell on a battlefield.

Yan Poyue's response was that he would have "cleared a path" long before, and if he himself fell before Xiao Yun Jie, he would simply "accept his fate." Frustrated by Yan Poyue's individualism, Zhang Tian Yang later warned him against provoking a mysterious veteran who also trained alone at night. The new recruit company was suddenly called for an emergency night assembly to conduct a military terrain assessment.

Company Commander Li Xiang announced that recruits would be divided into three-person teams, each given a compass and a map, and dropped off at different locations. They were required to navigate back to base independently in the shortest possible time, with using a distress signal resulting in a zero score. Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian were assigned to one group, a deliberate choice by Zhang Tian Yang.

As soon as they were dropped off, Yan Poyue immediately focused on studying the map to plan their route. Lu Xiao Tian, meanwhile, expressed his intention to rely on the stronger pair, stating that he lived by the wisdom of "resting under a big tree to enjoy the shade." Yan Poyue confidently declared that heading in the "4 o'clock direction" would be their path. However, Lu Xiao Tian grew increasingly uneasy in the dark forest.

Xiao Yun Jie, enjoying his discomfort, began to tell ghost stories, first mentioning Yan Poyue's childhood feat of sleeping in a cemetery, then recounting a chilling tale of backpackers who got lost after a photo they took revealed an extra, unseen person. Terrified, Lu Xiao Tian bolted, running deeper into the dark. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie chased after him, shouting warnings about a cliff ahead, but all three ultimately tumbled down a steep slope.

Miraculously, they were all unharmed, as the "cliff" turned out to be less severe than expected. Yan Poyue, still focused on the mission, asked for the compass, only for Lu Xiao Tian to sheepishly admit he had lost it. It soon became apparent that the map and even the distress signal transmitter were also gone. Xiao Yun Jie angrily confronted Lu Xiao Tian about his carelessness, even suggesting he "slide his way into oblivion."

Lu Xiao Tian, in turn, blamed Xiao Yun Jie for scaring him. Yan Poyue quickly put a stop to their argument. Using his knowledge of the local flora, specifically "Tsaoko fruits" which indicated nearby water, Yan Poyue determined that following a stream would lead them downhill and eventually to a main road back to camp. As they followed the stream, they spotted a supply truck.

Assuming it was from their own unit, the trio stealthily boarded the last empty vehicle, hoping to hitch a ride back to base. Lu Xiao Tian initially tried to grab some supplies, but Yan Poyue sharply reminded him that "stealing military supplies" was a serious offense. They then settled down to sleep. Yan Poyue, however, soon realized something was amiss. The road they were on was not leading back to their camp; instead, it was ascending a different mountain.

Lu Xiao Tian, still complaining of "internal injuries," remained unconcerned, believing that any military vehicle was safe. The truck then abruptly stopped. They overheard commands for the "Special Service Company" and realized they had stumbled upon an active exercise being conducted by the "Tiger Special Forces"—Company Commander Li Xiang's elite unit, which Xiao Yun Jie referred to as the "Psycho King's unit."

Excited by the prospect of real action, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie decided to covertly join the exercise. Lu Xiao Tian frantically tried to talk them out of it, pointing out the dangers of joining without proper equipment and emphasizing that as new recruits, they would be violating regulations. However, his pleas were ignored as his two comrades grabbed some equipment and stealthily moved towards the battle.

Hiding nearby, the trio watched the intense firefight unfold, marked by explosions and gunfire. Lu Xiao Tian was terrified by the overwhelming firepower, but Yan Poyue's eyes gleamed with excitement. A small snake crawled onto Lu Xiao Tian, causing him to shriek in terror and inadvertently reveal their position. Yan Poyue, instead of being alarmed, nonchalantly picked up the snake to further tease Lu Xiao Tian.

The Tiger Special Forces, however, were too engrossed in the simulated combat, which saw them heavily suppressed by the "enemy" side, to notice the new recruits. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie took advantage of the chaos, telling Lu Xiao Tian to follow them as they flanked the enemy position. They quickly subdued and tied up an "enemy" combatant. Upon seeing the insignia, Lu Xiao Tian excitedly identified him as a Captain, believing they had scored "huge merits."

The captured Captain, while noting Yan Poyue’s "veteran-like" demeanor, soon realized they were not part of his Special Forces unit. He correctly deduced they were new recruits who had gotten lost during their night assessment, having wandered an impressive thirty kilometers from their drop-off point. Despite Lu Xiao Tian's earnest attempts to apologize and release him, the Captain refused, stating that since they now knew the Special Forces' operational position during the drill, he could not allow them to leave.

He ordered them to follow him, promising to "settle this debt with Li Xiang after the drill is over." Meanwhile, back at the new recruit camp, Li Xiang and Zhang Tian Yang were growing concerned, noting that Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian were the only group yet to return, and wondered if they had gotten lost.

Episode 3 Recap

The new recruits slowly returned from their night terrain assessment, but Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian were still missing, leaving Company Commander Li Xiang puzzled and worried they might be lost. Meanwhile, the three missing recruits had already managed to subdue a Captain and were making their way towards the drill's central command post. Inside the command post, Ai Qianxue, the commander, was directing her troops.

The Special Service Company was making a final push, attempting to breach enemy defenses, but only two minutes remained, making it impossible for them to reach the command post in time. As Ai Qianxue was about to order the destruction of drones sent by the Special Service Company, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian, having stealthily approached, kicked open the curtain of the command post. Yan Poyue declared that everyone inside was captured.

Ai Qianxue, however, was too preoccupied with the ongoing battle to pay them any mind, treating their declaration as mere interference. Completely ignored, the three felt awkward. Yan Poyue, tired of being overlooked, dramatically looked up and smashed the power equipment with a shovel. The command post plunged into darkness. Moments later, the drill team announced that the enemy command post had been destroyed, leading to an unexpected victory for the Special Service Company.

Ai Qianxue, furious at the unexpected turn of events caused by the three recruits, fired several shots in their direction. Outside, the Special Service soldiers were equally bewildered, wondering how they had won. Back at the new recruit camp, Li Xiang grew increasingly concerned. With Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian still unaccounted for, he dispatched teams to search the starting point, the train station, and the bus stop, fearing they might be deserters.

Chen Min Tao, the instructor, also expressed his worry about the serious implications if the three were not found. The Special Service Company's leadership struggled to understand their victory. The Vice Company Commander tried to analyze their win, claiming an elite team was sent to flank the enemy. However, Ai Qianxue quickly pointed out that no such team had been dispatched by her. Their roll call showed all soldiers present.

The drill chief later clarified that given the concealed location of the enemy command post, the Special Service Company would have sent a larger force if they had detected it. Therefore, the victory was attributed to the individual actions of the three new recruits, not the Special Service Company's strategy. He demanded an explanation by daybreak. At dawn, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian were driven back to the regiment by Staff Officer Zhang.

They were cheerfully eating, oblivious to the gravity of their actions. Staff Officer Zhang tried to explain to them that their actions were more serious than past incidents of military indiscipline, which had led to dismissal. Upon their return, Li Xiang, visibly upset, kicked stones while muttering about "stumbling blocks." Staff Officer Zhang, however, recognized their potential, calling Yan Poyue a "grindstone" rather than a stumbling block.

He revealed that the Regiment Commander and Political Commissar were asking about them, viewing them as valuable assets that could make Special Service even stronger. Li Xiang, caught between the Regiment Commander's request for his opinion and the Political Commissar's directive to "cultivate them well," confessed he was unsure how to proceed. During their formal reprimand, Li Xiang interrogated them.

Yan Poyue took responsibility, while Xiao Yun Jie tried to share the blame, and Lu Xiao Tian offered a verbose, overly apologetic explanation, claiming it was a misunderstanding caused by them getting lost. Li Xiang then tested Lu Xiao Tian's loyalty, asking if he would follow Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie even if it meant certain death. Lu Xiao Tian responded he would make judgments as he saw fit.

Ultimately, Li Xiang announced their punishment: three days of administrative custody. Chen Min Tao was surprised by the lenient sentence. Li Xiang then elaborated that while Zhang Tianyang was dissatisfied with the outcome, he saw a strong desire in Yan Poyue's eyes—a desire he himself once possessed but now lacked. He believed this intense ambition made Yan Poyue overlook those around him, caring only for himself.

Li Xiang stated that they both thought highly of Yan Poyue, even if Yan Poyue did not yet acknowledge their worth. He also revealed that the incident was likely Yan Poyue's deliberate plan to attract the attention of the Regiment Commander and Political Commissar, which was half a success, with the other half depending on whether they could endure the Special Service Company.

In the confinement room, Xiao Yun Jie and Lu Xiao Tian remained upbeat, even planning a "post-war review." Yan Poyue, however, was not at ease. During their confinement, they observed an exceptionally strong individual named Xiao Fei, known as the 'Dragon,' training rigorously outside. Even Company Commander Li Xiang paled in comparison to Xiao Fei's individual prowess, which encompassed shooting, equipment, and grenade throwing.

However, Xiao Fei was known for not being good at leading soldiers and had been rejected from the special operations detachment for three consecutive years, now constantly pushing himself in self-competition. This observation further stimulated Yan Poyue. His heart pounded as he stared at the faint light from the window, images of being trapped resurfacing from his past.

He knew the past became a scar the more he tried to forget it, and all he could do was let the present become the past by pushing himself relentlessly. Ignoring Xiao Yun Jie and Lu Xiao Tian's pleas to stop, Yan Poyue continued his strenuous exercises day and night without food or water. Eventually, he collapsed from dehydration and muscle spasms. Xiao Yun Jie and Lu Xiao Tian frantically called for help.

Zhang Tian Yang rushed Yan Poyue to the infirmary. Ai Qianxue, encountering them there, learned of Yan Poyue's condition. She gently admonished him, advising him not to always seek to stand out, as the military was a collective, and such behavior would only harm himself. Yan Poyue, still absorbed in his thoughts, merely acknowledged her words but turned away.

After Yan Poyue's recovery, Company Commander Li Xiang made a formal request to the Regiment Commander to cancel the Special Service Company's drill results. Despite being informed that this would negatively impact the company's annual training scores and his own promotion prospects, Li Xiang insisted, stating that the Special Service Company would not engage in falsifying records.

He also declared his willingness to take Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie into his company, even though no other unit would want them after the incident, but on the condition that the regiment would not interfere with his arrangements. He acknowledged that these two soldiers sought opportunities, and by attracting the attention of higher-ups, they had created their own opportunity. The next morning, the three recruits in confinement were woken by music.

Yan Poyue quickly realized it was not morning exercise, but the new recruit commissioning ceremony. They were still locked up and ineligible to participate. Yan Poyue, calmer than his companions, noted that it was precisely the third day of their administrative custody. Just as Xiao Yun Jie began to despair about being forgotten, Zhang Tian Yang arrived, announcing the end of their administrative custody and instructing them to put on their uniforms.

Due to missing the main ceremony, Chen Min Tao held a special make-up commissioning ceremony for them in their dormitory. He conferred upon Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian the rank of Private, emphasizing the responsibility that came with it. The three raised their right hands and solemnly pledged allegiance. Chen Min Tao then announced their assignment to the Special Service Company and ordered them to report immediately.

Their excitement turned to dismay when they discovered their assignment was not to the elite Special Service combat units but to the kitchen squad. Yan Poyue, utterly displeased, immediately ran to Li Xiang to protest, arguing that as the top recruit in the comprehensive assessment, he shouldn't be relegated to the kitchen. Li Xiang's curt and dismissive response only fueled Yan Poyue's indignation, but he had no choice but to return to the kitchen.

At the kitchen squad, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian reported to Squad Leader Fan Jin. Fan Jin, aware of Yan Poyue's attempted protest, assigned him to slice a large basket of onions. Xiao Yun Jie and Lu Xiao Tian were tasked with peeling potatoes and emptying slop, respectively.

As Yan Poyue struggled with the onions, tearing up from the fumes, Fan Jin noticed his clumsy cutting technique and pointed out that his cuts were too uneven for cooking. The new recruits’ journey in the kitchen had just begun.

Episode 4 Recap

Yan Poyue, assigned to the kitchen squad, felt restless and unfulfilled. While other recruits trained new drills, he was often assigned to mundane tasks like pushing carts or chopping onions. Initially, his onion-chopping was clumsy, leading to wasted food and a reprimand from Squad Leader Fan Jin, who emphasized that even chopping onions was a skill that required precision. However, within a few days, Yan Poyue's skills improved remarkably, much to the surprise of his comrades.

Guo Kui, seeing Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian diligently training after their kitchen duties, observed they were like "iron men." He expressed concern to Fan Jin that their constant training might disrupt the unity of the kitchen squad and interfere with the other soldiers' rest. Fan Jin, however, dismissed these concerns, stating that the three recruits possessed ambition, and it was important for the kitchen squad to also have combat readiness.

He refused to order them to stop. One day, Fan Jin gathered Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian, telling them they wouldn't be doing standard physical training. Instead, he instructed them to change into their gear and follow him to the wilderness. Fan Jin led the three to a small forest, declaring "Outdoor smokeless cooking" as their training for the day, with the setting being a battlefield.

Xiao Yun Jie questioned the relevance, preferring drills like a 5-kilometer run or combat training. Fan Jin explained that as kitchen soldiers, their fundamental duty was to serve the troops by being able to set up a stove and cook. Yan Poyue pressed for the purpose of digging a stove when portable cooking tools were available.

Fan Jin outlined a scenario: enemy forces had cut off their supply lines, destroyed their cooking equipment, and they had run out of rations, leaving only rice. Understanding the dire need for self-sufficiency, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie began digging, but their efforts quickly produced thick smoke, choking them. Lu Xiao Tian, however, produced no smoke.

When questioned, he proudly boasted about his focus, only for Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie to discover he was cheating by using a self-heating hot pot. Fan Jin, observing their struggles, sarcastically commented that their smoky fires would "expose their position" and declared them "dead" in the simulated scenario. He then punished Lu Xiao Tian with an hour of standing at attention for cheating. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie admitted their confusion and asked for instruction.

Fan Jin demonstrated how to build a proper smokeless stove by creating a flue and covering the vent with wet leaves to trap the smoke. He remarked that any other soldier in the kitchen squad could do this, "except for you three."

Impressed and humbled, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie volunteered for punishment, but Fan Jin declined, saying he merely wanted them to shed their arrogance and appreciate the diverse skills within the kitchen squad, emphasizing the importance of preserving army traditions despite modern advancements. As their "punishment," he made all three eat the plain rice cooked in the pot, which Lu Xiao Tian jokingly complained about.

Later, during a supply delivery to a training outpost, Fan Jin brought Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian along, explaining that no one else could manage the three recruits. While on the road, Lu Xiao Tian began excitedly discussing his business plans, specifically to grow saffron on the hills as a "military quality" product, hoping to build a fortune.

Fan Jin angrily chastised them, reminding them that a soldier's life belongs entirely to the nation and people, with no "free time" for personal ventures. Just then, an emergency radio broadcast announced that a cross-border drug trafficker was still at large. Moments later, a motorcycle crashed into a nearby ravine. Investigating, they found the rider frothing at the mouth, clearly suffering from drug withdrawal. Fan Jin immediately identified him as a drug trafficker.

They quickly subdued him, finding a loaded gun and several packets of drugs in his bag. Lu Xiao Tian was ecstatic, believing they had earned a merit. Upon returning to the outpost, Fan Jin reported the capture and the discovery of about two kilograms of drugs to the regiment via phone.

He was informed that due to heavy rain, the regiment and police would only be able to transport the trafficker the following day, and that the individual was involved in a major case. As Yan Poyue guarded the trafficker in the warehouse, the man, speaking Chinese, tried to bribe him, offering "all the money you can spend for the rest of your life" if he was released. Yan Poyue ignored him.

When Lu Xiao Tian brought food, the trafficker, now recovered from his initial withdrawal, eerily warned them, "You're going to die tonight. . . Eat your last meal!" Yan Poyue sternly told him to "shut up" or he would make him. That night, a heavy rain began to fall.

Fan Jin, feeling a sense of unease, discussed with a comrade (presumably Gao) the heightened border tensions and the frequent drug trafficking attempts, deciding they would need to take turns patrolling due to the small squad size. Yan Poyue, observing the supposedly sleeping trafficker, deduced he was merely pretending, his body tense, his breathing shallow, in a state of "thinking, meditating." A haunting flute melody, identified as being from Myanmar, pierced the rainy night.

The trafficker suddenly let out a strange cry, which Yan Poyue recognized as a signal. Fan Jin immediately ordered him to gag the man. Almost simultaneously, a sentry outside was shot, triggering a defensive response. Fan Jin ordered smoke grenades to be thrown to confuse the enemy and directed men to rescue the wounded sentry. He quickly assessed the situation: the absence of gunshots indicated silencers, while the unseen attackers suggested long-range shooting and night-vision equipment.

He concluded the well-armed, unknown number of enemies were undoubtedly there for the captured drug trafficker. With the main power cut and phones inoperable, Fan Jin ordered Yan Poyue to retrieve the radio from the warehouse and contact the regiment for reinforcements, emphatically reminding everyone not to turn on any lights. Back in the dark warehouse, as Yan Poyue frantically searched for the radio, Xiao Yun Jie anxiously asked how to set it up.

During the chaos, Yan Poyue overheard a comrade address Fan Jin as "Old Dog Fan," and a sudden realization dawned on him: Fan Jin was "the Dog" from the legendary "Dragon, Tiger, and Dog." Fan Jin, still outside, ordered Yan Poyue to plug in the radio and contact the regiment for reinforcements. As gunshots continued to echo from outside, the drug trafficker, taking advantage of the distraction, tried to escape, but Yan Poyue quickly subdued him again.

Fan Jin, meanwhile, instructed his men to establish defensive positions and look for an opportunity to activate the backup power, which he eventually managed to turn on. Yan Poyue struggled with the radio's poor signal, compounded by heavy interference. After persistent attempts, he finally made contact, identifying himself as 'Private Yan Poyue, 247th Regiment Special Service Company,' and reporting that 'Tiger Three Five' was under attack, the enemy situation was unknown, two men were shot, and they urgently requested backup.

The voice on the other end, identifying himself as Staff Officer Li Guo Sheng, confirmed that reinforcements were being prepared, but stated a helicopter had been dispatched and was struggling to locate them due to the bad weather. He asked Yan Poyue why he wasn't participating in the crossfire. Yan Poyue explained that the squad leader had ordered him and Xiao Yun Jie to guard the captured drug trafficker.

Li Guo Sheng then asked for a detailed situation report and, after confirming they had weapons, stated the helicopter needed a landing guide. When Yan Poyue said they had no flares, Li Guo Sheng instructed them to "turn on the lights at the sentry post." This instruction immediately raised Yan Poyue's suspicion.

Episode 5 Recap

The opponent instructed Yan Poyue to activate the sentry post lights, which could serve as a guide. Yan Poyue, sensing something was amiss, decided to test them, falsely claiming he needed permission from "Company Commander Zhang." The opponent immediately saw through the deception, realizing there was no such commander and that Yan Poyue was not from the regiment. The opponent then declared that their communication lines were severed, their escape routes blocked, and they wouldn't survive until dawn.

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie quickly identified the voice as that of the sniper, who then threatened to kill Squad Leader Gao, who lay injured in the courtyard, unless they allowed him to speak with the drug trafficker they held captive. Facing the threat of mortar attacks, Xiao Yun Jie reluctantly removed the gag from the trafficker's mouth. Yan Poyue immediately contacted Fan Jin via walkie-talkie, informing him that the sniper was talking directly to him.

Fan Jin instructed Yan Poyue to keep his walkie-talkie open so he could listen in on the conversation. He also told Yan Poyue to keep the sniper talking, hoping to provoke a shot and pinpoint his location. The sniper emphasized that the captive drug trafficker was far more valuable than any of their lives. He warned that a second, larger attack was imminent and that the soldiers would not be able to hold out.

He mockingly vowed that Squad Leader Gao would not leave the courtyard alive, offering Yan Poyue an ultimatum: release the trafficker for Gao's life. As the sniper began a countdown, Yan Poyue stalled for time, claiming he needed to request permission from his superiors. Fan Jin, seizing the moment, ordered Xiao Yun Jie to use smoke grenades as cover while Fan Jin himself fired to distract the sniper, creating an opportunity for Xiao Yun Jie to rescue Squad Leader Gao.

Yan Poyue continued to engage the sniper in conversation, maintaining the diversion. During the ensuing chaos, while Xiao Yun Jie successfully rescued the injured Squad Leader Gao, the captive drug trafficker managed to untie himself and attempted to escape the warehouse. Yan Poyue immediately engaged him in a fierce struggle. The sniper, witnessing the scene, seized the opportunity and shot the drug trafficker, killing him.

Yan Poyue, with a profound sense of helplessness, reported to Fan Jin that the captive was dead, realizing that the sniper's true objective had been to eliminate their own man. Following the incident, a meeting was held where Deputy Director Ding of the City Public Security Bureau revealed that the attackers were part of the Red Scorpion, a sophisticated drug trafficking organization that had re-emerged with advanced weaponry.

He requested the military's full support for a joint operation to apprehend the remaining traffickers. Meanwhile, Fan Jin was lauded as a combat hero by his comrades for his leadership during the attack. Yan Poyue, however, was deeply troubled by the captive's death. He asked Fan Jin what it felt like to kill, to which Fan Jin replied simply, "The recoil force."

Fan Jin expressed his hope that Yan Poyue would never have to use lethal skills, advising him to focus on mastering his current duties first. Separately, the sniper was identified as Xing Tian, the godson of Kun Sheng, the leader of the Red Scorpion. The captive killed by Xing Tian, Kun Meng, was Kun Sheng's biological son.

Xing Tian falsely claimed to Kun Sheng that Chinese soldiers had killed Kun Meng in front of him, and he was powerless to stop it. Kun Sheng, who had named Xing Tian after a protective deity, had deliberately given Xing Tian an unloaded gun, which Xing Tian was aware of, implicitly testing his intelligence and assessing his responsibility for Kun Meng's death.

Drawing from his own arduous past, Kun Sheng, who had found success after a desperate encounter he attributed to divine intervention, instructed Xing Tian to recruit and train more people to ensure their organization's survival at the border. Back at the military base, Yan Poyue was consumed by self-blame, constantly training to become "the strongest" soldier, convinced that his perceived weakness led to the captive's death. Fan Jin, observing his relentless but sometimes misguided efforts, confronted him.

He emphasized that true strength encompasses not just physical prowess but also intelligence and experience, and that the title of "the strongest" should be earned through others' recognition, not self-proclamation. The next day, at a commendation meeting, Squad Three received a collective Third-Class Merit. Fan Jin was awarded a Second-Class Merit, while Guo Kui, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Lu Xiao Tian each received a Third-Class Merit.

The company then announced that an outstanding young soldier from the kitchen squad would be transferred to a combat platoon. To the surprise and disappointment of Yan Poyue, who many expected it to be, the transfer was awarded to Xiao Yun Jie. Fan Jin immediately challenged Li Xiang, the company commander, over the decision.

Li Xiang, however, maintained that Yan Poyue's carelessness had contributed to the captive's death and that he still had "thorns" that needed to be smoothed out through more training. Fan Jin argued that Yan Poyue’s exceptional combat performance should be recognized, but Li Xiang remained firm, hinting at Yan Poyue's desire to stand out and become "the strongest." Elsewhere, Xing Tian began implementing Kun Sheng's orders to recruit new members.

He used brutal methods to select those capable of fighting from a group of "old, weak, sick, and disabled" individuals. Only one "powder girl" survived; her companions were killed, and she attempted to kill Xing Tian but failed. Xing Tian then ordered her to be held in a "water prison," stating she could only come out once she had quit drugs. As Xiao Yun Jie began his new role, training with firearms daily, Yan Poyue watched, his own frustration growing.

Lu Xiao Tian proudly sent his Third-Class Merit badge home, but Yan Poyue refused to send his, feeling he hadn't achieved true honor. At the training ground, Yan Poyue proactively offered green bean soup to a hesitant Xiao Yun Jie, bridging the unspoken distance between them. Yan Poyue continued his intense solo training sessions nightly. After much contemplation, Fan Jin decided to teach him.

During a rigorous sparring session, Fan Jin easily defeated Yan Poyue, a top-ranked fighter in the recruit company, disarming him multiple times. Fan Jin taught him that pure aggression leads to swift defeat, emphasizing that true victory comes from strategic patience, feigned weakness, and tactical maneuvering. He urged Yan Poyue to shed his stubbornness and learn to smile more, as a sign of strategic humility. When Yan Poyue expressed eagerness to learn shooting, Fan Jin presented him with a slingshot.

Initially scornful, Yan Poyue was quickly impressed by Fan Jin's flawless demonstration, hitting all targets with perfect accuracy. Eager to learn, Yan Poyue took the slingshot, with Fan Jin reminding him of the preciousness of each steel ball and instructing Lu Xiao Tian to ensure none were lost. Separately, Xiao Yun Jie sought out Staff Officer Ai Qianxue to apologize for their previous reckless actions.

When she questioned why he alone was apologizing, he admitted he was there on behalf of Yan Poyue, hinting at Yan Poyue's recent struggles and need for support. Ai Qianxue, though busy, granted him ten minutes to explain.

Episode 6 Recap

Yan Poyue tirelessly practiced with his slingshot, failing numerous times as Lu Xiao Tian chattered beside him, calling him the "king of new recruits" and "the strongest." Despite the distractions, Yan Poyue finally hit a target, and then another, to Lu Xiao Tian's excited cheers.

Yan Poyue then told him to get the steel balls, considering collecting them another form of training, dismissing Lu Xiao Tian's complaints about being a "ball boy" and turning into "logistics support," to which Yan retorted that collecting steel balls was also training, just like a military dog, which was also a comrade. Later, Staff Officer Ai Qianxue approached Company Commander Li Xiang after a meeting.

She suggested that the kitchen squad of the Special Service Company, having also encountered drug traffickers, should participate in actual combat, believing it would be more beneficial for them. Li Xiang immediately dismissed the idea, questioning who would cook if the kitchen staff were on the front lines. He suspected someone had pleaded with her on their behalf.

Ai Qianxue admitted to being approached and voiced her opinion that Li Xiang's handling of Yan Poyue was too harsh, suggesting that if he truly wanted to understand Yan, he should check Yan Poyue's file with Staff Officer Zhao. Li Xiang remained firm, asserting that the young man was far more complex than a mere stubborn recruit and that the time was not yet right.

That evening, Yan Poyue and Lu Xiao Tian were late for roll call due to their practice. Fan Jin covered for them, claiming they were "on duty" and later ensured that Guo Kui had saved dinner for them in the cookhouse. The next day, Yan Poyue's slingshot practice was hampered by strong winds, and he failed to hit a single target. He admitted to Fan Jin that he had never learned to measure wind speed.

Fan Jin chastised him for not training hard enough, then offered a new method. He asked Yan Poyue who he disliked most in their 247th Regiment. Yan Poyue named Fan Jin, and Fan Jin prompted him to add Li Xiang. Lu Xiao Tian then volunteered Xiao Fei from Company One, Platoon One, Squad One, mentioning Yan's ambition to surpass him. Fan Jin, approving of Yan's spirit, wrote their names on soda cans.

He taught Yan Poyue a quirky trick for judging wind speed and distance, which Yan quickly grasped, successfully hitting the cans labeled Li Xiang and Xiao Fei. Fan Jin pocketed his own can, calling Yan a "little brat." Ai Qianxue later sought out Yan Poyue at the cookhouse and was directed to the back mountain where he was indulging his craving for shooting with a slingshot, since he couldn't use a real gun.

She found him there, questioning why he wasn't resting. Yan Poyue explained that his poor marksmanship required constant practice. Ai Qianxue highlighted that shooting relied heavily on mental fortitude and that a slingshot was no substitute for a real gun. When she asked to try, Yan initially resisted, deeming it beneath her rank. However, Ai Qianxue asserted her authority, took the slingshot, and impressively hit two targets with a single steel ball.

Impressed, Yan Poyue offered her a Coke as a sign of respect, declaring her "more manly than real men." Ai Qianxue revealed that she was there at Xiao Yun Jie's request, as he cared about Yan but was afraid of hurting his pride. Yan Poyue called Xiao Yun Jie "nosy," but Ai Qianxue warned him not to be ungrateful.

She then mentioned his father, a hero who had served in the military, and the Cheetah Commando, his father's former unit and Yan's ultimate goal. Yan Poyue grew defensive, insisting he earned everything through his own efforts, not through his father's connections. Seeing his emotional struggle, Ai Qianxue offered a confidential ear. Yan Poyue then confided in her about being abducted at age seven by drug traffickers seeking revenge on his father.

He was thrown into a dark, cold pit with other trafficked children, where they fought like dogs for food. He eventually managed to climb out, but the other children screamed to betray him in exchange for a piece of corn. He ran desperately, guided only by the sound of the wind, until he found himself back at the army compound.

He woke up in the army hospital, and from that day, his father began to put him through rigorous military training. Yan Poyue reiterated that the Cheetah Commando was his only dream, the "sacred place for the King of soldiers." Despite the grim reality of his current situation as a cook, he rejected any pity, asserting his resolve to forge his own path. Ai Qianxue offered her contact information and encouraged him to seek her advice as a comrade.

Meanwhile, Xing Tian subjected the surviving drug girl to cruel tortures, forcing her to shoot at oil drums containing people and making her fight other starving women for food, stirring unsettling memories within him. Back at the kitchen squad, Lu Xiao Tian gossiped with Guo Kui about Yan Poyue's conversation with Ai Qianxue, suggesting Yan use the connection to get transferred out of the kitchen squad.

Yan Poyue firmly stated that he would rely on his own strength to return to a combat squad and that his relationship with Staff Officer Ai was strictly professional. Frustrated by Yan's refusal to take a "shortcut," Lu Xiao Tian decided to take matters into his own hands. He delivered food to the administration office, ostensibly for Company Commander Li Xiang, but secretly left a transfer request letter for Yan Poyue at Ai Qianxue's door.

The political instructor, Chen Min Tao, was enraged when the letter was discovered, though Ai Qianxue had already suppressed it. Fan Jin quickly tried to explain that Yan Poyue was unaware of it, but Yan took full responsibility, stating that the letter's intent, regardless of who wrote it, was to help him improve. Chen Min Tao lectured them on focusing on their duties as cooks.

Following the lecture, Fan Jin decided to teach Yan Poyue his signature dish, Braised Tofu, explaining the recipe and using the cooking process as a metaphor for military service: "fried first, then braised on low heat" to develop character. Yan, however, felt more like "stock," boiling in a pot alone. That night, a sudden whistle signaled an emergency assembly.

To everyone's surprise, the kitchen squads from different companies were gathered together for a "kitchen squad competition" that was to be held concurrently with a full-regiment confrontation drill. Lu Xiao Tian was bewildered, but Yan Poyue was exhilarated, sensing real combat. The first event was a five-kilometer loaded march. Each squad had to carry all their equipment and ingredients, with the squad's final score determined by the last member to cross the finish line.

Yan Poyue surged ahead, even taking some of Lu Xiao Tian's gear to help him. Although Lu Xiao Tian struggled immensely, Yan Poyue finished first. However, when questioned by the officer about why he didn't support his comrades given the scoring rule, Yan Poyue simply stated, "Someone has to be the champion," clarifying it was his "target," not an excuse.

Despite Yan Poyue setting a new regimental record of 18 minutes and 27 seconds, his kitchen squad ultimately placed last in this event because of their slowest member's time. The second event was resisting enemy and launching harassing attacks, involving shooting moving targets while traversing a combat zone, with the winning squad determined by the number of surviving members at the 3 o'clock hillside. When their squad found themselves surrounded, Fan Jin and Yan Poyue realized they couldn't charge head-on.

Yan Poyue volunteered to draw fire, but Fan Jin stopped him. Instead, Fan Jin used a wok as a makeshift shield, leading his squad forward. During the shooting phase, Lu Xiao Tian selflessly gave Yan Poyue his full magazine, stating he couldn't shoot accurately anyway and that Yan needed it more. Fan Jin endorsed the move, explaining that in real combat, ammunition should be concentrated on skilled shooters to maximize combat effectiveness, and Yan Poyue embodied that effectiveness.

The Special Service Company excelled in this event, scoring 90 points for hitting targets and an additional 80 points for having all eight members survive, totaling 170 points and securing their victory. Other company leaders accused them of using "petty tricks."

Fan Jin retorted that it was "reasonable and clever use" of resources, emphasizing that true experts used their brains, and scoffed that in "their" world, a wok was only for cooking, implying "they" were "one wok away from becoming an expert." With little time to rest, the third event of the competition was announced: building a stove, starting a fire, and cooking a main dish with four side dishes and one soup in a field environment. The first team to complete the meal would win.

Episode 7 Recap

Subject Three of the assessment required participants to prepare four dishes and one soup in a field environment, with the fastest team winning. Yan Poyue and Lu Xiaotian built the smokeless stove using a method taught by Fan Jin, with Yan Poyue assuring his squad leader they would secure victory. However, as they prepared to light the fire, Guo Kui discovered they were out of solid alcohol.

Fan Jing, anxious about the dwindling time, quickly instructed everyone to gather tree branches, managing to ignite only one stove. Facing a severe fuel shortage, Yan Poyue, after a quick whispered consultation with Fan Jing, decided on an unorthodox strategy: he dumped all the tofu into a single pot. While Company One and Company Two presented standard four-dish, one-soup meals, Special Service Company offered four distinct variations of braised tofu.

Yan Poyue proudly presented their dishes to Staff Officer Zhang, describing them in detail: first, Braised tofu with dried bamboo shoots, then Braised tofu with sweet pork, followed by Braised tofu with potato and egg, and finally, Braised tofu with wine, along with Tofu soup with scallion oil. Initially, Staff Officer Zhang was displeased, questioning how a single ingredient could constitute four dishes. Fan Jing quickly interjected, explaining the unique flavors of each dish and urging her to taste them.

After sampling the meals, Staff Officer Zhang's demeanor softened. She announced that all three companies had completed the task in one hour and thirty minutes, and their meals met wartime supply requirements, resulting in a tie. The final phase of the assessment was to navigate enemy blockades and deliver the prepared meals to their respective command posts.

As they ventured into Company One's defense zone, Lu Xiao Tian nearly stepped on what he thought was a landmine, but Fan Jing swiftly intervened. Yan Poyue, impressed by Fan Jing's 'mine clearance' skills, asked Fan Jing to teach him, to which Fan Jing humorously replied that he should focus on mastering cooking first. Yan Poyue and Fan Jing then proceeded to scout the area, successfully capturing two Company One sentries and seizing their communication devices.

The captured soldiers revealed that Company One had completely cut off Special Service Company's communication and that their main force, led by Squad Leader Xiao Fei, was on the verge of taking their command post. Fan Jing, excited by the prospect of facing Xiao Fei, then showed Yan Poyue an automatic grenade launcher, calling it a "bigger slingshot" and instructing him that it was his moment to prove himself.

Collaborating, Yan Poyue and Fan Jing used the grenade launcher to ambush Xiao Fei and his entire squad, neutralizing Company One's first squad. Enraged, Xiao Fei could only watch as the two celebrated. Using the captured communication devices, they pinpointed Company One's command post and swiftly launched an attack. Meanwhile, Li Xiang and his comrades, still waiting at their command post, were startled to hear the kitchen squad's shouts announcing mealtime.

Suspecting a trap, Ai Qianxue ventured out to investigate and was astonished to find Yan Poyue and the kitchen squad delivering meals, with Xiao Fei and his men already in the captive zone. Yan Poyue, deflecting credit, explained that their success was due to Fan Jing's expert command and the entire kitchen squad's efforts, having seized the enemy's communication equipment and raided their command post. The Special Service Company was declared victorious.

Fan Jing eagerly pulled Yan Poyue forward to accept accolades. Soon after, the Regiment Commander arrived, perplexed as to how Special Service Company had triumphed despite their communications being severed. Ai Qianxue explained the events and gave credit to Yan Poyue. Yan Poyue humbly attributed the victory to the collective effort of the kitchen squad, emphasizing his role as merely a cook performing his duty.

The Regiment Commander tasted the tofu dishes, praising their excellent flavor, and Fan Jing declared them the Special Service Company's "victory dish." From that day forward, eating braised tofu became a cherished tradition for new recruits in the Tiger Special Service Company the night before any assessment or drill, believed to guarantee success in battle.

During a subsequent week of heavy rain, which provided a rare period of leisure for the new recruits, Ai Qianxue visited the kitchen squad to finalize details for her drill report. Fan Jing quickly ushered Yan Poyue to speak with her. Ai Qianxue returned Lu Xiaotian's letter to Yan Poyue, admitting she didn't know the author but believed they harbored no ill will.

She affirmed Yan Poyue's capabilities, stating he didn't need external help and could achieve his aspirations through his own efforts. Yan Poyue, grateful for her words, then posed a question to Ai Qianxue: why, with her impressive education and abilities, did she choose to remain in the Rapid Deployment Regiment instead of pursuing a more distinguished career elsewhere? Ai Qianxue responded that her elder brother had also served there.

Later that week, Xiao Yun Jie visited Yan Poyue, expressing his happiness about Yan Poyue's recent achievements and noting the newfound respect he commanded. Xiao Yun Jie confided his frustration about being transferred to the combat squad alone, believing it was Li Xiang's deliberate attempt to provoke Yan Poyue.

He urged Yan Poyue to set aside his pride and speak a few soft words to Li Xiang, assuring him that such a gesture, especially after his recent display of talent, would guarantee his return to the combat squad. However, Yan Poyue steadfastly refused, declaring that respect was earned through action, not through pleading. Despite Yan Poyue's stance, Fan Jing attempted to intercede on his behalf with Li Xiang, even bringing chili from his hometown.

Li Xiang remained firm, insisting that Yan Poyue must approach him directly. Li Xiang then informed Fan Jing that his mother and fiancée, Xiao Ting, would be visiting and asked Guo Kui to pick them up from town when he went for supplies. Fan Jing jokingly reminded Li Xiang that Xiao Ting wasn't officially his wife yet. On the way back to the base, Guo Kui, Li Xiang's mother, and Xiao Ting entered a tunnel undergoing maintenance.

A speeding truck veered out of control and overturned, blocking the tunnel and trapping them. Guo Kui used Xiao Ting's phone to call the regiment for help, but with Li Xiang in a meeting, Fan Jing immediately mobilized the kitchen squad and rushed to the scene. Xiao Ting, being a nurse, bravely joined Guo Kui in helping the truck driver. As they worked, the tunnel began to crack, threatening to collapse. Li Xiang's mother was still inside Guo Kui's vehicle.

Without hesitation, Yan Poyue dashed back into the unstable tunnel to rescue her. Fan Jing and Lu Xiao Tian managed to pull Xiao Ting to safety, but when they tried to follow Yan Poyue, the tunnel catastrophically collapsed, transforming into a heap of rubble. Yan Poyue was trapped beneath the debris, his calls for help unanswered, with only the distant sound of a siren breaking the silence. Li Xiang soon arrived, and Xiao Ting frantically informed him that his mother and a soldier were still trapped inside.

Episode 8 Recap

Due to a severe rainstorm, a landslide trapped Li Xiang's mother and Yan Poyue inside a tunnel. Yan Poyue quickly made his way to Li Xiang's mother, reassuring her that Li Xiang and the others were outside, trying to find a way to rescue them. Li Xiang's mother was still stuck in a truck, her leg pinned by the deformed vehicle, and she expressed how difficult it was just to see her son.

Outside, the regiment mobilized for rescue, but bulldozers couldn't access the tunnel. Ai Qianxue proposed a "human-wave tactics" approach using traditional tools to dig from above the collapsed section, emphasizing speed and constant vigilance against further rockfalls or landslides. This was deemed the only viable method. Inside, Yan Poyue managed to pry open the car door, getting Li Xiang's mother out, and immediately bandaged her injured leg.

Li Xiang's mother pulled out an old phone Li Xiang had bought her, lamenting that she couldn't get a signal now, even though he usually didn't allow her to call. Yan Poyue comforted her, assuring her that Li Xiang would definitely rescue them. Suddenly, the tunnel collapsed again. Yan Poyue quickly pulled Li Xiang's mother to a relatively safe spot and shielded her with his body from falling debris. Li Xiang was frantically digging outside, his emotions running high.

Inside, Li Xiang's mother asked Yan Poyue his name and how long he had been in the army, then eagerly inquired about her son. Li Xiang's mother fondly recalled her son's kind and shy nature, how he would blush before even speaking, and Yan Poyue added that Li Xiang was even kinder to him than his own father. Above the tunnel, the soil layer became unstable, threatening a massive landslide.

The regiment commander, Liu Chuan Ming, received a report that continuing the rescue would be suicidal, and was advised to withdraw all units. Liu Chuan Ming reluctantly gave the order to retreat. Li Xiang relayed the evacuation order to his troops. Lu Xiao Tian, crying, stubbornly refused to leave, shouting that Yan Poyue was still inside and begging everyone not to abandon him, but Fan Jin physically dragged him away.

Li Xiang, heartbroken, knelt before the debris, crying out in despair for his trapped mother and comrade. Inside, the ventilation shaft was blocked by rocks, and Yan Poyue realized they would soon run out of oxygen, in addition to facing intermittent collapses. Outside, it was confirmed that the heavy rain would not stop for another two days, and even professional rescue teams with heavy equipment would be ineffective under the current conditions.

Recognizing that continued general rescue would only lead to more casualties, Li Xiang, with a heavy heart, requested to halt the broader rescue operation as a soldier. However, as a son and an elder brother figure to Yan Poyue, he pleaded for one opportunity to act alone. Miraculously, a signal temporarily appeared in the tunnel. Xiao Ting, who had been persistently calling Li Xiang's mother, got through and immediately handed the phone to Li Xiang.

Yan Poyue quickly informed Li Xiang of their situation: Li Xiang's mother had a minor leg injury that had been bandaged, they had one bottle of water but no food, and were running out of oxygen inside an unknown safe room. Regiment Commander then spoke to Yan Poyue, instructing him to conserve energy and battery, promising hourly contact.

Yan Poyue, in turn, reassured Li Xiang's mother, telling her that Li Xiang and the Regiment Commander were both outside, working to save them, and they would definitely get out. They shared the precious bottle of water, one capful at a time, as instructed by Li Xiang, with Yan Poyue insisting Li Xiang's mother drink more. The tunnel's layout included three safe rooms, and their exact location remained unknown.

The provincial Blue Sky Rescue Team arrived, with their leader Cheng Gong noting the dire situation. Ai Qianxue, concerned about Yan Poyue, suggested using several trucks as a temporary protective wall across the landslide-prone area to buy more time, an idea quickly approved and implemented, deploying all available personnel except sentries. Inside, Yan Poyue, semi-conscious, experienced a vivid flashback of his father's harsh training, pushing him to be stronger. Waking up, he refused to sit idly by.

He frantically worked to clear the blocked ventilation shaft, eventually discovering that they were in Safe room No.3. Seeing Li Xiang's mother becoming disoriented and succumbing to oxygen deprivation, Yan Poyue, using his last ounce of strength, managed to call Ai Qianxue. He could only utter "Safe room No.3" before collapsing. Ai Qianxue, grasping the critical information, desperately encouraged him, promising to buy him dinner if he made it out alive.

Lying in the mud, Yan Poyue, with what little strength he had left, tapped on rocks, repeating his mantra: "Complete the mission. Go back alive!" Outside, despite the trucks barely holding back the imminent landslide, Li Xiang and Xiao Yun Jie heard the faint tapping sound. They quickly identified the source and began furiously digging. Time was running out, with only two minutes before the landslide. They reached Yan Poyue and Li Xiang's mother.

Yan Poyue, prioritizing Li Xiang's mother, insisted she be pulled up first. She was successfully rescued. However, as it was Yan Poyue's turn, the tunnel collapsed a second time. Li Xiang, Ai Qianxue, and Xiao Yun Jie screamed his name in anguish as they were dragged away by other soldiers.

Li Xiang's mother, upon regaining consciousness, immediately pleaded with the Regiment Commander to save Yan Poyue, recalling how he had fiercely refused to leave her behind, yelling that "the soldier here is not dead yet, it's not your turn to play the hero." The Regiment Commander assured her they would bring their soldier back. After the second collapse, Yan Poyue disappeared beneath the debris again.

Lu Xiao Tian, who had been assigned to the kitchen squad, distraught and refusing to eat, ran back to the tunnel. Xiao Yun Jie, overwhelmed, cried out in anger and despair, berating Yan Poyue, questioning his strength and his promise to be the "King of Recruits." Lu Xiao Tian joined in the desperate shouts. Li Xiang continued to dig relentlessly, while Ai Qianxue, remembering her promise to buy Yan Poyue dinner, mechanically shoveled at the rubble.

United, everyone tirelessly dug and called out Yan Poyue's name. Finally, after an arduous effort, Yan Poyue was pulled from the rubble. Yan Poyue was hospitalized with a lung infection, severe dehydration, and hypoxia. Fan Jin stood by his bed, scolding him for his recklessness, despite acknowledging that Yan Poyue was now considered a great hero by the entire regiment.

Fan Jin warned him that even with his tough spirit, luck wouldn't always be on his side and that life was a gift not to be squandered. Yan Poyue calmly responded that his only intention was to save people, questioning why it couldn't be him. Lu Xiao Tian and Xiao Yun Jie came to visit, and Fan Jin advised them not to talk for too long to allow Yan Poyue to rest.

Xiao Yun Jie shared the "good news" that Yan Poyue's heroic deeds had spread throughout the regiment, assuring him of commendation and a likely transfer to a combat squad. He then delivered the "bad news": Li Xiang would be transferring out of the military. Yan Poyue was not happy to hear this, reflecting that losing Li Xiang felt like losing a rival.

He realized that Li Xiang had inadvertently pushed him to grow through frustration, anger, and perseverance, and he found himself starting to miss that challenging dynamic. The tunnel incident deeply affected Li Xiang. He confided that he had been with Xiao Ting for six years, and they had discussed marriage multiple times without resolution as she waited for him.

Li Xiang explained that his mother, unable to bear seeing Xiao Ting wait any longer, had personally brought her future daughter-in-law to the base. Their shared goal was to bring Li Xiang home.

Episode 9 Recap

Li Xiang informed the Regiment Commander of his decision to demobilize, explaining that despite being only in his thirties, he felt he was getting old as a company commander. He stated that new talents emerge with each generation and expressed gratification at witnessing a new generation of soldiers, like Yan Poyue, develop into resolute guardians of the Republic, which allowed him to leave with a smile.

The Regiment Commander admitted he didn't want to let Li Xiang go, acknowledging Li Xiang's contributions to the Special Service Company and hoping he would live up to his years of hard work. When asked about Yan Poyue, Li Xiang described him as tough, needing only a few days to recover.

Li Xiang confessed that he had underestimated Yan Poyue's faith and dreams, recognizing Yan Poyue's youth and persistence in striving for higher goals, a path Li Xiang himself once desired. The Regiment Commander linked Li Xiang's change of heart to Yan Poyue saving his mother, which Li Xiang confirmed, adding that Yan Poyue's contributions deserved a reward. Later, Li Xiang personally picked Yan Poyue up from the hospital after his discharge.

Yan Poyue noticed they weren't heading back to the regiment, to which Li Xiang cryptically responded, "Who said we're going back to the regiment?" Li Xiang drove Yan Poyue to a remote border marker, a place he used to patrol daily as a border defense officer, to show him.

He then shared his personal story, explaining that his fiancée, Xiao Ting, a high school classmate whom he reconnected with ten years later, had been waiting for him to marry her for six years. He confessed his reluctance to have her endure the typical life of an army wife, and his desire to give her a proper wedding and a happy family after his demobilization. However, each time he returned to the army, he couldn't bring himself to leave.

His mother and Xiao Ting had finally come, risking their lives in the rainy season, with the sole purpose of taking him home, especially since applying for cadre demobilization after the year-end would mean another year's delay. Li Xiang expressed profound gratitude to Yan Poyue, stating that he created a miracle, allowing him to see his mother again after she was found injured in the tunnel. He was fortunate to have such a soldier in his company.

Li Xiang recounted how he recognized Yan Poyue's exceptional training and ambition to join a specific unit from his first day as a recruit. Yan Poyue explained that it was his father's former unit, and he had considered himself a soldier since he was eight. Li Xiang acknowledged Yan Poyue's habit of fighting alone but warned him that on a real battlefield, the more one tries to display their own strength, the more they might neglect their comrades.

When Yan Poyue insisted on becoming stronger to go further, Li Xiang conceded that "time will tell" and instructed him to report to Squad One after the upcoming Chinese New Year. Li Xiang shared his mixed feelings about leaving, revealing that many of his comrades who joined with him had left for various reasons—family, lack of prospects, demobilization, or injuries. Now, he was the last one, and he too was departing.

He made Yan Poyue promise to always stand tall, defend China's land from any invasion, and pass on the glory and dignity of soldiers, and the spirit of the Special Service Company, through generations. Yan Poyue firmly promised he could. Ai Qianxue treated Yan Poyue to a meal, fulfilling her promise and congratulating him on his impending transfer to a combat squad.

She mentioned that the entire regiment knew about his transfer and that the Special Service Company was gaining another "tiger." Yan Poyue clarified that he would officially join after finishing his current duties. As Chinese New Year approached, the Special Service Company was put on operational readiness. The company commander emphasized vigilance during the holiday, stating that the company was responsible for guarding the regimental gate, command post, and armory, and urged everyone to remain alert against emergencies.

For New Year's Eve dinner, a dumpling-making and eating competition was organized. Squads One, Two, and Three, along with the kitchen squad, would participate, with squads judging each other on presentation, taste, and speed. Squad Leader Fan Jin jokingly asked Yan Poyue which squad he would prefer to help. Yan Poyue responded that he would follow orders, and Fan Jin assigned him to peel garlic for Squad One, quipping that "a grown child doesn't obey his parents anymore."

During the dumpling preparation, soldiers from Squad Two secretly added excessive salt to their dumplings. In retaliation, Xiao Yun Jie, Yan Poyue, and Lu Xiao Tian mixed various seasonings like salt, pepper, and mustard into their own batch of dumplings, deliberately leaving out any actual filling. When it was time to eat, the soldiers were reluctant to try the bizarre creations.

Xiao Yun Jie was forced to take the first bite of the super-salty dumplings, which he could barely swallow, claiming it reminded him of his mother. A high-ranking officer, the Regiment Commander, arrived to observe. He ate one dumpling, praised its taste, but his facial expression was telling, and he quickly excused himself, then drank water profusely outside, muttering about the dumplings being "half salt."

Li Xiang and Chen Min Tao, unaware of the prank, enthusiastically ate two dumplings each and immediately needed water. Seeing the chaos, Li Xiang, now acting as a judge, decided to mix all the remaining dumplings together, declaring a new rule: no one was allowed to spit out any dumpling, and the first squad to finish the entire mixed batch would be the winner.

The soldiers, though struggling with the strange flavors, gamely ate the bizarre dumplings, making for a memorable and lively New Year celebration. After the New Year celebrations, Fan Jin, with visible reluctance, took Yan Poyue into a forest to impart his most valuable skill: minelaying and demining. Fan Jin explained that he had planted various types of mines and booby traps in the forest that morning, challenging Yan Poyue to navigate through it to master the skill.

He emphasized that learning demining and understanding a minelayer's mindset were crucial, especially since expert minelayers often used "anti-patterns" to deceive. He urged Yan Poyue to protect his hands and imprint every subtle sensation onto his nerves. Yan Poyue emerged from the minefield two hours earlier than expected. Fan Jin then handed Yan Poyue a bottle of medicinal wine, a homemade remedy for injuries made by Lu Xiao Tian, who was too emotional to bid farewell himself.

Fan Jin shared his own past, recalling his nickname "Mad Dog" as a reckless recruit who always strove for first place, until a booby trap in a drug bust injured his back, leading to his three-year stint in the kitchen squad, where he then encountered "a coyote" like Yan Poyue.

He advised Yan Poyue to only use minelaying in dire circumstances, warning that those who lay mines often eventually step on their own, and urged him to "run for his life" and "never look back." Yan Poyue officially transferred to Squad One. Xiao Yun Jie enthusiastically helped him arrange his new bed, which surprisingly was the Squad Leader's bed, given up to Yan Poyue as a gesture to the new recruit.

However, the Vice Squad Leader, Zhou Zijian, expressed his displeasure, questioning why Yan Poyue should get the Squad Leader's bed immediately. He provocatively accused Yan Poyue of risking his life during the landslide rescue just to get into Squad One and feared Yan Poyue's ambitious and competitive nature would cause problems for the squad, especially if he made complaints. Xiao Fei, another squad member, also seemed to view Yan Poyue as a rival.

Soon after, the Special Service Company held an all-member skills competition, which required teams of three. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie struggled to find a third teammate, as no one wanted to join them. However, Zhang Tian Yang stepped in, offering to team up with them. The first event was fixed-target rifle marksmanship.

Xiao Yun Jie encountered an issue where his rifle's "sight is deviated" and requested a replacement, but was denied by Company Commander Li Xiang, who asserted that soldiers must adapt to imperfect equipment in real combat, revealing this was a deliberate test. Yan Poyue, after observing others, chose a rifle grenade launcher, stating he had only used it once but felt a connection to it.

When it was his turn, Yan Poyue demonstrated exceptional skill by hitting all targets using a kneeling position, which was noted as advantageous for moving targets, earning widespread applause. Their team secured the first place in the morning session, with the competition set to continue in the afternoon.

Episode 10 Recap

When Yan Poyue returned to the kitchen to help, Fan Jin, the Squad Leader, expressed his pleasure but cautioned Yan Poyue to be mindful of his new role in Squad One under Zhang Tian Yang. He reminded Yan Poyue that Zhang Tian Yang was now his squad leader, but Yan Poyue responded that Zhang Tianyang was not 'that kind of person'. Lu Xiao Tian, delighted to see Yan Poyue, jokingly complained about doing all the chores since Yan Poyue transferred.

Zhou Zi Jian arrived for his meal, overtly challenging Yan Poyue to the grappling training scheduled for the afternoon. Lu Xiao Tian muttered that Zhou Zi Jian, having lost to Yan Poyue before, had no reason to be so confident. During the afternoon grappling training, Li Xiang announced that the results would speak for themselves, allowing any techniques as long as they did not go beyond what was necessary.

In one match, Gao Zhun cheated by using sand against Xiao Yun Jie. Yan Poyue reported this, but Li Xiang dismissed the complaint, reminding him that enemies would also use such tactics. Gao Zhun was declared the winner. When it was Yan Poyue's turn to face Zhou Zi Jian, Zhou Zi Jian deliberately stalled. Suddenly, Xiao Fei arrived with his squad, openly challenging the Special Service Company, claiming he heard someone wished to surpass him.

Yan Poyue stepped forward, admitting he was the one who made the claim and expressed his desire to learn from a veteran like Xiao Fei. Although Li Xiang offered to fight in Yan Poyue’s place, Yan Poyue insisted on representing the Special Service Company. Li Xiang agreed, again cautioning him to show restraint. Xiao Fei then dramatically produced a knife, challenging Yan Poyue to inflict a "blood mark" on him to win.

While others worried, Yan Poyue, recalling Fan Jin's past training methods, confidently accepted. Yan Poyue successfully achieved the "blood mark," and Xiao Fei, acknowledging defeat, led his squad away. Afterwards, as Zhang Tian Yang and Xiao Yun Jie attended to Yan Poyue's minor injuries, they discovered Guan Yong had tied sand weights to his legs, believing it would make him faster for the next day's cross-country run, which he thought was the final event.

Zhang Tian Yang promptly removed the weights, explaining that such a practice would only injure his legs. Li Xiang then announced that the final assessment would be a realistic combat simulation designed to allow the soldiers to experience the intense feeling of facing death, where time seems to slow down, enhancing focus. The task was to cross a fortified area and retrieve a red flag within ten minutes, while Li Xiang would fire rubber bullets from a watchtower.

He assured them this extreme test had been authorized by the training department. Yan Poyue, Zhang Tian Yang, and Xiao Yun Jie's group struggled with the obstacles, including a high wall. When morale began to falter, Yan Poyue, analyzing Li Xiang’s firing rhythm, deduced that he would have a brief interval to reload his Type 88 GPMG. Seizing this opportunity, they surged forward amidst mortar fire.

Xiao Yun Jie was hit and injured, but he and Zhang Tian Yang rallied to support Yan Poyue, urging him to get the flag. Inspired by their comrades' sacrifice and hope, Yan Poyue pushed through, reached the hill, and triumphantly waved the red flag, securing victory for their team. Following their success, Li Xiang declared Zhang Tian Yang's group the winner but stated that Xiao Yun Jie had "sacrificed." He ordered Yan Poyue to step forward and remove his uniform.

Confused, Yan Poyue complied. Li Xiang questioned why he hadn't used the rope ladder on the stone wall. Yan Poyue explained that under such heavy fire, more people would result in more casualties, and he felt he could complete the mission alone. Li Xiang acknowledged Yan Poyue's bravery but starkly pointed out that those who charge machine gun fire either become heroes or die, with heroes being a rare exception.

He then proceeded to conduct a mock memorial service for Yan Poyue. Zhang Tian Yang was instructed to take Yan Poyue's uniform. Li Xiang delivered a poignant eulogy, imagining Yan Poyue's father as an old, lonely man whose only solace would be his son's military medals. Yan Poyue attempted to protest, but Li Xiang continued, asserting that Yan Poyue's actions were self-serving. He emphasized that in a real combat scenario with live ammunition, Yan Poyue would have been killed instantly.

Li Xiang explained that using the rope ladder would have allowed his comrades to provide cover, offering a better chance for survival and mission completion. By acting alone, Yan Poyue had completely disregarded the value of his comrades. He severely criticized Yan Poyue for treating soldiers as "consumables" and making "seemingly valiant but actually foolish choices" purely to display individual bravery, rather than utilizing their extensive training for effective teamwork.

Stunned, Yan Poyue remained rooted to the spot even after Li Xiang dismissed the squad. Chen Min Tao remarked to Li Xiang that he might have gone too far. Li Xiang, without a word, offered a blanket to Xiao Yun Jie. Xiao Yun Jie then explained to Li Xiang that his injury had made him feel like a burden, which was why he had urged Yan Poyue to go on alone.

Later, Zhou Zi Jian, though accepting his defeat in the challenge and apologizing to Yan Poyue, made it clear that his personal dislike for Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie had not diminished. With Kun Meng's death, drug trafficking routes into the mainland were severed. Xing Tian, despite the increased Chinese military patrols along the border, decided to risk reopening the routes, seeking capable individuals who knew the terrain, were ruthless, and spoke Mandarin.

Meanwhile, Lu Xiao Tian prepared a special meal for Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie. Yan Poyue immediately recognized Fan Jin's distinctive use of peppercorns. Lu Xiao Tian revealed that Fan Jin's chronic rheumatism had flared up, sending him to the medical unit. He also mentioned that Fan Jin was due to retire next year, making the three of them his last cohort of soldiers. Later, the Special Service Company was briefed on a new anti-drug operation.

The police had obtained updated intelligence on the traffickers, and the Special Service Company would collaborate with the Public Security Bureau for their apprehension. Yan Poyue, excited by the prospect of real combat, was confirmed by Li Xiang that this was not an exercise and they would be using live ammunition. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie were assigned to guard a seemingly quiet, unnamed path.

Yan Poyue was frustrated, believing that real traffickers would never use such a path due to the adjacent cliffs, suggesting a flaw in the plan and leading him to suspect it was still an exercise. Zhang Tian Yang, however, ordered them to follow their instructions. After two hours of uneventful waiting, gunfire erupted. Yan Poyue identified the sound as an AK-47.

Deciding to take initiative, he convinced Xiao Yun Jie to move to the river, reasoning that traffickers would likely use the waterway to escape. There, they spotted three traffickers. Yan Poyue decided to force them into the river and capture them alive. The traffickers, attempting to deceive them, claimed to be lost tourists. As they approached, they tried to disarm Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie. In the ensuing struggle, Yan Poyue shot and killed one of the traffickers.

The sudden reality of taking a life, combined with the heavy body and knife, left Yan Poyue breathless and Xiao Yun Jie visibly shaken. Zhang Tian Yang soon arrived with backup and pursued the two remaining traffickers across the river. Despite Yan Poyue's leg injury, he and Xiao Yun Jie, still unyielding in their conviction, attempted to follow. Zhang Tian Yang pulled them aside, reiterating that their unauthorized position was a critical mistake.

Despite his explanation, they remained stubborn, forcing Zhang Tian Yang to keep them closely supervised. Zhang Tian Yang led his team to search a hydropower station, suspecting it was a hideout. The gatekeeper, Luo Fu Gui, acted evasively, attempting to conceal something. It was revealed that the traffickers had taken his wife and children hostage inside.

As Zhang Tian Yang noticed a trafficker preparing to shoot from the rooftop, he bravely pushed Yan Poyue out of the way, taking a bullet himself and falling unconscious. Yan Poyue, seeing his squad leader down, immediately shed his gear and offered himself as a hostage in exchange for Luo Fu Gui's family. The traffickers agreed, instructing Luo Fu Gui to tie up Yan Poyue.

Luo Fu Gui complied, and in a tense exchange, his wife and children were released, while he and Yan Poyue were taken across the Chinese border. The traffickers discussed killing Luo Fu Gui and selling Yan Poyue. However, Yan Poyue, observing his surroundings, managed to untie his bonds and swiftly kill both traffickers. As they died, the traffickers issued a final threat, warning that their leader's brother was nearby and escape would be impossible.

Yan Poyue sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and was drenched in sweat. The traumatic experience of killing for the first time triggered severe emotional distress, causing him to faint while driving the traffickers' getaway vehicle. Yan Poyue had set booby traps near the dead traffickers, but they did not stop other drug dealers who soon arrived, placing a $100,000 bounty on his head. Yan Poyue's leg wound became infected, causing a high fever and paleness.

He urged Luo Fu Gui to leave him, emphasizing that Luo Fu Gui had a family to return to, while Yan Poyue, as a soldier, would find a worthy death. However, Luo Fu Gui, deeply grateful for Yan Poyue saving his children, refused to abandon him and was determined to bring him to safety. Luo Fu Gui gathered dandelion roots, applying some to Yan Poyue's wound and making him ingest others.

He shared his lifelong dream of becoming a soldier, which was thwarted by his father's illness, forcing him to remain and guard their ancestral land. He reiterated his commitment to protecting Yan Poyue as Yan Poyue had protected his family. Yan Poyue, in his delirium, called Luo Fu Gui foolish, stating that even if he died, he might not be honored as a martyr, but a soldier's duty was to die for the people in crucial moments.

Luo Fu Gui continued to drag the unconscious Yan Poyue. Suddenly, the traffickers' phone, which they had found earlier, rang. Yan Poyue, with newfound urgency, instructed Luo Fu Gui to retrace their path to find a signal to call for help.

Episode 11 Recap

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, driven by a desire for glory, decided to force three drug traffickers into the river and capture them alive. The traffickers pretended to be tourists, lulling Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie into lowering their guard, then seized the opportunity to grab their guns. In the ensuing chaos, Yan Poyue killed one of the traffickers.

The heavy body pressed against him, a knife still in its chest, leaving Yan Poyue breathless, and startling Xiao Yun Jie. Xiao Yun Jie remarked on Yan Poyue’s accurate fatal blow, to which Yan Poyue replied it was a trained skill. Xiao Yun Jie then asked about Yan Poyue's first kill, and Yan Poyue admitted his hand felt hot.

Yan Poyue wondered if letting two escape across the river against three knife-wielding traffickers despite having two guns constituted a failure, which Xiao Yun Jie agreed was a major one. A report of gunshots in Zone C reached the Company Commander, who was informed it was Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie. Zhang Tian Yang arrived at the scene, checking on Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie’s injuries, which they dismissed as superficial.

Zhang Tian Yang instructed the rest of his team to pursue the escapees, telling Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie to rest. However, unwilling to accept defeat, Yan Poyue insisted he could still run and fight, with Xiao Yun Jie agreeing, and they followed Zhang Tian Yang despite their injuries. Zhang Tian Yang then took Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie aside, explaining that their assigned containment position was the nameless path, not the river.

Yan Poyue argued that the path was ineffective, calling the deployment an "oversight" and questioning why Zhang Tian Yang couldn't see it. Zhang Tian Yang countered that what they perceived as an oversight might not be one, and questioned their defiance of orders and risky engagement. Yan Poyue justified their actions by saying they had a plan. Zhang Tian Yang warned them that armed drug traffickers were fearless and would take others down with them.

Yan Poyue insisted he was also not afraid of death, echoing a past squad leader's words that if the fearless meet the fearless, death becomes unimportant. Zhang Tian Yang responded that a soldier's duty is to forget personal life and death on the battlefield, but their lives were more important than their "vanity." He expressed frustration at their "roughly understand" attitude and the consequences it created.

Yan Poyue still minimized the risk, arguing that drug traffickers entering such a remote hydropower station "should" not be a big problem. Dismissing their "should" and "roughly" statements as nonsense, Zhang Tian Yang called Li Xiang, the Company Commander, for permission for Squad 1 to search the hydropower station for suspected drug traffickers, which was granted with a warning to be careful.

He then ordered Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie to follow him closely, not to leave without his command. Upon arriving at the hydropower station, Zhang Tian Yang's team encountered Luo Fu Gui, the doorkeeper, who appeared nervous and evasive. It was revealed that drug traffickers were holding his wife and child hostage.

When questioned about suspicious persons and the contents of the building, Luo Fu Gui denied everything and tried to stop Yan Poyue from going upstairs, claiming there was nothing there. Just as Yan Poyue prepared to go upstairs, Zhang Tian Yang spotted drug traffickers aiming from above, quickly pushing Yan Poyue out of the way and getting shot himself, falling unconscious.

As Zhang Tian Yang lay wounded, the drug traffickers ordered everyone to put down their guns, demanding the release of Luo Fu Gui's family. Luo Fu Gui pleaded for his child, offering himself in exchange for his family's safety. Yan Poyue stepped forward, offering himself as a hostage instead, promising that if he returned, he would no longer "roughly understand" situations. He urged his comrades to save the squad leader.

Luo Fu Gui's wife and child were released after the drug traffickers instructed Luo Fu Gui to tightly tie up Yan Poyue. Luo Fu Gui apologized to Yan Poyue as he did so. The drug traffickers then took Luo Fu Gui and Yan Poyue across the Chinese border, planning to kill Luo Fu Gui and sell Yan Poyue. Once across, they forced Luo Fu Gui to dig a grave.

While the drug trafficker mocked Luo Fu Gui, Yan Poyue managed to untie himself and swiftly killed both drug traffickers. With his dying breath, one of the traffickers, Long, warned Yan Poyue that his brother was nearby and they wouldn't escape. Yan Poyue then asked Luo Fu Gui to check the dead traffickers for a phone. Luo Fu Gui found one but noted it had no signal and only one bar of battery.

Yan Poyue, having been shot in the leg and overwhelmed by the stress disorder from his first kill, then drove the traffickers' vehicle with Luo Fu Gui, but soon fainted from emotional distress, despite Luo Fu Gui's attempts to wake him. Meanwhile, Li Xiang, along with Squad 1, pursued them by vehicle. Soon after, Long's brother and his men were searching for them. Long's brother expressed his disapproval of Long working for Red Scorpion, quickly dispatching a scout team.

Upon finding the bodies of the two drug traffickers killed by Yan Poyue, they also discovered booby traps. Long's brother identified one as a "Dakota Fire Hole," explaining how a grenade covered in mud could be triggered by poking the top layer, but only if the top layer of mud was poked. He recognized the sophistication of the trap and immediately knew this was the work of Long's killer.

He then offered a bounty of 100,000 USD, dead or alive, for Yan Poyue. Yan Poyue's leg wound became infected, causing a high fever and pale complexion. He urged Luo Fu Gui to leave, emphasizing that Luo Fu Gui had a family waiting for him, while he, as a soldier, was prepared to die honorably. However, Luo Fu Gui adamantly refused, declaring he wouldn't be human if he abandoned Yan Poyue.

Luo Fu Gui bandaged Yan Poyue’s bleeding wound and gathered dandelion roots, applying them to the injury and making Yan Poyue swallow some for detoxification, insisting it was life-saving. Luo Fu Gui also heard Yan Poyue had no partner and promised to introduce him to one if they made it out. Yan Poyue, still trying to persuade him to leave, questioned Luo Fu Gui's intentions.

Luo Fu Gui revealed his lifelong dream of being a soldier, which was thwarted by his father's illness, leading him to guard his family's land instead. He explained that since Yan Poyue had saved his child and his life, he was honor-bound to protect Yan Poyue in return, vowing to die with him if necessary.

Yan Poyue continued to insist Luo Fu Gui leave him, calling Luo Fu Gui foolish and explaining that even if Luo Fu Gui died, he wouldn't be recognized as a martyr. He stated that as a soldier, his duty was to die for the people in critical moments, and he would do the same for anyone. Luo Fu Gui, however, vowed to stay by Yan Poyue's side, declaring, "If you live, I live. If you die, I die."

Meanwhile, Long's brother and his men encountered more of Yan Poyue's cleverly hidden traps, losing one of their men, Kanbo. Despite entering Red Scorpion's territory, Long's brother was undeterred by the potential conflict, fueled by his desire for revenge. Luo Fu Gui continued dragging the now unconscious Yan Poyue. Suddenly, the phone found earlier rang, indicating a signal.

Yan Poyue, regaining some consciousness, instructed Luo Fu Gui to move around the path they had just taken to find a stable signal. Luo Fu Gui eventually found a spot with signal. Yan Poyue, weak, managed to call Li Xiang, uttering a desperate "Save me" before the phone died. Hope seemed lost again.

As Luo Fu Gui continued pulling Yan Poyue, he realized the makeshift stretcher had become lighter; Yan Poyue had fallen off, attempting to lighten Luo Fu Gui's burden. When Luo Fu Gui returned, Yan Poyue, mustering all his strength, yelled at him to "Scram!" and not "be foolish" by staying.

Luo Fu Gui, however, chose to run in the opposite direction, directly towards the pursuing drug traffickers, provoking them by insulting their fighting ability and daring them to fight without guns, hoping to sacrifice himself for Yan Poyue. Just as the drug traffickers cornered Luo Fu Gui and demanded to know the soldier's whereabouts, Yan Poyue, despite his severe leg injury, arrived. He quickly held Long's brother hostage, demanding the drug traffickers put down their guns.

Long's brother, refusing to be captured, shot himself, the bullet passing through him and hitting Yan Poyue in the left shoulder, causing Yan Poyue to collapse again. Suddenly, a barrage of gunshots erupted from the nearby woods, quickly eliminating all the remaining drug traffickers. A team of Chinese armed police appeared, with one tending to Yan Poyue’s wounds, asking his name and unit. Yan Poyue identified himself as being from Squad One of the Special Service Company, Regiment 247.

The rescuer then assured Luo Fu Gui that they were Chinese Armed Police, confirming they were back on Chinese territory and safe, offering him water. The rescue team reported six enemies killed and one captured, and decided to change their retreat route to accommodate Yan Poyue's inability to walk.

Medical reports later confirmed Yan Poyue was suffering from severe dehydration, multiple soft tissue injuries, and open stab wounds on his left arm and left lower leg, but fortunately, no bone or nerve damage. He was conscious and stable after debridement and sutures, currently sedated and asleep. Zhang Tian Yang, however, sustained a penetrating gunshot wound to his left posterior chest, a concussion, and was still in a coma after surgery, requiring close observation.

Episode 12 Recap

Yan Poyue regained consciousness in the hospital after undergoing surgery for a perforating gunshot wound to his left posterior chest and a concussion. Qin Feng, from Cheetah Commando, who had saved him, was by his side. Yan Poyue recognized Qin Feng and, when asked about his injury, asserted it was his duty. Qin Feng explained that the waterway leading to the border was Cheetah Commando's territory, and Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie had crossed the boundary.

Qin Feng's men had observed them but did not intervene. He stressed that as a soldier, Yan Poyue should focus on a soldier's duties, not a general's. Qin Feng then showed him a mark and asked if he had seen it before. Yan Poyue confirmed he had seen it in the forest and on armed drug traffickers during a previous attack on their sentry post.

Qin Feng identified it as the symbol of Red Scorpion, an armed drug cartel involved in kidnapping, trafficking, and even preying on other drug cartels. He warned Yan Poyue that he was lucky this time, as he only encountered ordinary traffickers; facing Red Scorpion would have been far more dangerous. Yan Poyue claimed to have fought them, but Qin Feng corrected him, stating that Fan Jin was the one who engaged them while Yan Poyue was merely observing.

Yan Poyue then declared his ambition to join Cheetah Commando. Qin Feng found him too impatient, remarking that Cheetah Commando does not favor such individuals. Qin Feng also subtly chastised Yan Poyue, reminding him that Zhang Tian Yang, his squad leader, was in the adjacent room, severely injured while covering him. Qin Feng had expected Yan Poyue's first question upon waking to be about Zhang Tian Yang and expressed his disappointment.

Overwhelmed with regret, Yan Poyue struggled to get up, then resentfully pulled his blanket over his head. Meanwhile, Xing Tian relentlessly trained new recruits, allowing only the winners to eat. Miya, a young woman who was a former drug addict and had sold herself, then got caught stealing drugs from them, displayed exceptional skill with a gun, impressing Daddy Kun.

Xing Tian reported her progress to Daddy Kun, who offered to teach Miya how to use a Dha, a Burmese knife. Miya refused, unwilling to kill for them. Daddy Kun, respecting her wish to leave, offered her a challenge: if she could traverse the Kachin Hills with a bow and arrows and return alive, she would be free to go wherever she wished, with his protection within Red Scorpion territory.

Xing Tian, however, believed she had a worthless life and would not survive. Fifteen days passed without a trace of Miya. Xing Tian, uncharacteristically concerned, ordered a boat to the Kachin Hills, though he told Lai he was going to the casino. Miya eventually returned, bloodied but alive, having used six arrows. True to his word, Daddy Kun offered her freedom, but to Xing Tian's surprise, Miya knelt, calling him "Daddy Kun," and asked to be taught the Dha.

Xing Tian questioned why she didn't leave, to which Miya replied that she had many opportunities to kill him but wanted to defeat and kill him fairly. While still recovering in the hospital, Yan Poyue visited Zhang Tian Yang, who remained in a coma, vowing to repay his debt. Xiao Yun Jie and Lu Xiao Tian also came to the hospital, playfully calling Yan Poyue a hero.

They informed him that Luo Fu Gui was safe and cooperating with the authorities. Ai Qianxue, a psychological counselor, conducted an assessment with Yan Poyue. She asked about his first kill, where his knife got stuck in bone, making him feel helpless. His second kill, using a blunt electrical pen, made him feel the victim's hot blood.

Recalling these events, Yan Poyue grew visibly distressed, but Ai Qianxue had to ask about the third kill, which he described as feeling the handgun's recoil. Ai Qianxue tried to normalize his experience, explaining that post-traumatic stress symptoms were common for soldiers in their first combat. Yan Poyue vehemently denied having any issues, banging on the bed and declaring that only the weak suffer from psychological trauma.

The doctor, though acknowledging Yan Poyue's strong psychological fortitude and lack of immediate sequelae, warned of a possibility of him developing an extreme personality given the unprecedented experience of three close-quarter kills. Upon his return to the company, Yan Poyue suffered from recurring nightmares of the killings, waking up with agonizing screams.

The military announced that Cheetah Commando would expand, selecting elites from various units, with the Mobile Regiment chosen as a key unit for the first phase of military reform. After his discharge, Yan Poyue, awarded a Second-Class Merit, began training with renewed, almost manic, intensity. Li Xiang and Chen Min Tao, impressed by his dedication, decided to recommend him for the special forces selection.

Li Xiang, anticipating his own transfer to civilian work, expressed hope for Yan Poyue's promising future, acknowledging Yan Poyue's desire for self-reliance. Zhang Tian Yang, having recovered from his injuries, also reported his intention to join the special forces selection, having heard about it through a regimental notice.

Political Instructor Chen Min Tao expressed concern about his recent injury, but Li Xiang supported Zhang Tian Yang, recalling his own missed opportunity to join the special forces and wishing his former squad leader success. Zhang Tian Yang assured them his decision was not influenced by Li Xiang's impending transfer, but rather his own dreams. He also said that if he did not pass the selection, he would return to the company to continue his duties as a squad leader.

Regiment Commander Liu, protective of his unit's talent, expressed his concerns to Qin Feng about losing his best soldiers to the Cheetah Commando. He made it a condition that Qin Feng could not take Yan Poyue. Surprisingly, Qin Feng readily agreed. When asked for his reasoning, Qin Feng explained that while Yan Poyue possessed many qualities of an excellent soldier, he was too self-centered, prioritizing his own ambition to surpass everyone.

Qin Feng emphasized that special forces operations often involved desperate situations where absolute trust in comrades was paramount, even above oneself—a quality Yan Poyue currently lacked. They briefly discussed the military reform, with Qin Feng mentioning his own unit's transition from commandos to special forces, implying that adaptation was necessary for everyone. Yan Poyue’s intense training continued day and night, leaving him sleep-deprived.

Lu Xiao Tian perceived this as an attempt to show off, but Fan Jin, having experienced combat and killing himself, recognized a deeper, more troubling issue. He worried that Yan Poyue was not coping well with taking three lives, stating that such an experience could not be overcome quickly. During a training session, Zhou Zi Jian provocatively remarked about Yan Poyue having "blood on his hands."

This triggered Yan Poyue, who, flashing back to the killings, lost control and attacked Zhou Zi Jian with potentially lethal force, pushing away anyone who tried to intervene. Zhang Tian Yang and Xiao Yun Jie rushed in to restrain him, eventually managing to pin him down until he calmed.

A doctor later confirmed that Yan Poyue was suffering from typical post-traumatic re-experiencing symptoms, noting that while medication could be prescribed, it would only offer temporary relief, with a high likelihood of relapse. The doctor suggested transferring him to the military region general hospital for more specialized care. Despite this, Yan Poyue vehemently insisted he was fine and begged Li Xiang and Chen Min Tao not to suspend his training.

Episode 13 Recap

Yan Poyue desperately pleaded with Li Xiang not to suspend his training, stating he would do anything to continue. However, his pleas were unsuccessful, and he was indeed suspended. He returned to his dormitory to find only Xiao Yun Jie.

Xiao Yun Jie had saved him dinner, noting that their other roommates, Gao Zhun and Zhou Zi Jian, had requested to move out because they found it too dangerous to live with Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, fearing they might be beaten up. Xiao Yun Jie tried to comfort Yan Poyue, saying it was better for them to be gone, out of sight, out of mind.

Despite the food, Yan Poyue had no appetite, asking Xiao Yun Jie if he would truly be okay. Xiao Yun Jie reassured him, saying he was as strong as an ox. Later, Li Xiang announced the list of soldiers selected for the special forces training. Zhang Tian Yang, Xiao Yun Jie, Zhou Zi Jian, and Gao Zhun were all named, but Yan Poyue was conspicuously absent. Yan Poyue immediately questioned why he was excluded.

Chen Min Tao, his instructor, took him to his office, where Yan Poyue passionately argued that he was top in all subjects and in excellent physical condition, and that joining the Cheetah unit was his sole purpose for enlisting. Chen Min Tao offered him a transfer order, explaining that while the selection was one path, serving as the Regiment Commander's correspondent was a better alternative, a highly sought-after position, and confirmed it was Regiment Commander Liu’s order.

Yan Poyue, feeling a mix of betrayal and sorrow, refused the order and begged Chen Min Tao to assign someone else. Chen Min Tao, with a sigh, explained that given Yan Poyue's current medical condition, this was the best arrangement the regiment could secure for him. He revealed that other soldiers with similar conditions had already been discharged early, and this posting at least allowed Yan Poyue to remain in the army.

Overwhelmed by the news, Yan Poyue locked himself in the bathroom. His worried comrades tried to coax him out, even attempting to force the door, but to no avail. Eventually, Li Xiang dispersed everyone and remained to speak with Yan Poyue alone. From behind the locked door, Yan Poyue expressed his deep sense of injustice. Li Xiang reminded him of the inherent unfairness of war, where even the most rigorous training might not prevent a swift death on the battlefield.

He challenged Yan Poyue's belief that failure meant death, asking how many times he would have died by that logic given his past close calls. Li Xiang then shared his own experience of being called "Psycho King" by the veterans, an insult he eventually came to see as a badge of honor because it affirmed his strictness was building better soldiers.

He acknowledged that he could easily open the door, but respected Yan Poyue’s decision to make it a symbol of his dignity. Yan Poyue confessed his inability to accept his new fate, especially after Li Xiang’s words at the boundary marker about guarding the nation’s borders. Li Xiang assured him that the lesson would stay with him forever. Finally, Yan Poyue opened the door. Upon hearing Li Xiang announce his own departure, Yan Poyue’s tears, which had momentarily subsided, returned.

Li Xiang embraced him, advising him to adapt to the long road ahead, moving from one battlefield to the next. He instructed Yan Poyue to remember that the Special Service Company was a gun and he was a bullet, destined to fly straight to the target and hit the bullseye, urging him to achieve a perfect 10th ring. Yan Poyue nodded in resolute agreement. The following day, Yan Poyue reported to Regiment Commander Liu’s office.

The familiar path now felt like a symbolic line separating him from his old life in the Special Service Company. Back at the company, Xiao Yun Jie remained despondent. Zhou Zi Jian continued to provoke him, suggesting Yan Poyue, who he once called a friend, had abandoned them and even avoided him at the commissary. Zhang Tian Yang intervened, stopping Zhou Zi Jian, and then asked Xiao Yun Jie to massage his aching legs.

Li Xiang, seeing Zhang Tian Yang’s pain, gently took over the massage himself, expressing concern that Zhang Tian Yang was overexerting himself so soon after recovery. Zhang Tian Yang, from a rural background, explained that with his impending discharge next year, the special forces selection was his last chance to pursue his dreams, a sentiment Li Xiang understood.

Li Xiang then sent Zhang Tian Yang with Xiao Yun Jie for infrared therapy, and both confirmed they had not heard from Yan Poyue, their faces reflecting a shared sadness. Meanwhile, in his new role at the regiment headquarters, Yan Poyue found himself occupied with administrative tasks like sweeping, mopping, and handling mail, but completely devoid of combat training. He secretly felt like a ghost of his former self, believing he was nothing without battle.

When he encountered Ai Qianxue and later Fan Jin, he felt ashamed and quickly retreated, avoiding conversation. Many envied his new, seemingly relaxed position, but Yan Poyue found no joy in it. Regiment Commander Liu inquired about Yan Poyue's feelings regarding his new position. Yan Poyue frankly stated he felt terrible, expressing his singular ambition to be the best soldier, not a cadre.

Liu, understanding Yan Poyue's military family background and previous training, offered an alternative: a recommendation to the guard company in the division headquarters. Yan Poyue, however, rejected this, passionately explaining his desire to be an offensive special forces member rather than a defensive guard, even referencing the evolution of warfare patterns.

Liu then issued a stark warning about the special forces selection: it involved brutal training, the highest rates of elimination, death, and disability, and required an "advance or die" mentality. He emphasized that if Yan Poyue were to die, only the military would know his name and deeds, and the army needed excellent soldiers, not mere killing machines.

Concerned, Liu granted Yan Poyue half a day off, asking Ai Qianxue to take him to the hospital's mental health department, noting her considerable efforts on his behalf. Despite Ai Qianxue's prior warning, Yan Poyue was visibly shaken by the sight of elderly veterans, traumatized by war, frantically seeking cover at the sound of televised artillery fire.

Ai Qianxue explained that these veterans, though victorious, had lost themselves, and that PTSD was a common condition among soldiers, not a sign of weakness. Yan Poyue, however, vehemently denied having the disorder, attributing his past violent outburst during training to Zhou Zi Jian's provocation and insisting he was not sick.

During their visit, an old soldier named Qin Ge, a former communication soldier from Company One, Battalion One, 384th Regiment, emerged, still re-enacting his wartime duty to hold Hill 309 to the last man. Yan Poyue was instructed to symbolically "relieve" Qin Ge. Witnessing Qin Ge respond to the order to "run back to his company," Yan Poyue seemed to gain a profound understanding. Ai Qianxue reiterated that recognizing others' struggles helps one understand oneself, which is essential for healing.

Yan Poyue, moved to tears, asked if he could visit the veterans often, to which Ai Qianxue readily agreed. Through continued interactions with these senior veterans, making them Mapo tofu and training with them, Yan Poyue gradually became more peaceful, understanding the brutality of war and the preciousness of peace, which further solidified his ambition to defend it.

Xiao Yun Jie joined Yan Poyue for a rigorous run, asking about his new position as the regiment commander’s correspondent, a role that often led to military academy. Yan Poyue, however, dismissed it as akin to retirement. He vowed to continue his relentless training, determined to keep going until he could finally participate in the special forces selection, no matter how many attempts it took.

Xiao Yun Jie then asked if Yan Poyue had truly overcome his inner struggles, to which Yan Poyue nodded. Taking this as confirmation, Xiao Yun Jie declared that Yan Poyue should return to combat training the next morning to prove to everyone that he was back. The following day, Yan Poyue appeared at the training ground. Li Xiang, initially concerned, watched as Yan Poyue quietly assured him he was there to prove his recovery. Li Xiang’s expression softened with relief.

When the other soldiers hesitated to spar with Yan Poyue, reluctant to engage, Xiao Yun Jie bravely stepped forward. As Yan Poyue engaged Xiao Yun Jie without resorting to excessive, uncontrolled force, Li Xiang, seeing his control and recovery, initiated applause, which the other soldiers soon joined. Two mornings later, Li Xiang was scheduled to leave the regiment he had dedicated over ten years of service to.

Regiment Commander Liu suggested it was a fitting time for his departure, as their regiment was among the first units to undergo military reform. The orders for the reform had already reached the division headquarters and would be announced within days. The changes involved garrison relocation, forcing newly settled families to move again, and the regiment’s designation would not be preserved as it was to be merged into a new unit.

Li Xiang listened with a heavy heart, particularly saddened by the impact on his comrades’ families. He was there, however, to discuss Yan Poyue. Liu, in turn, also sought Li Xiang's opinion, confirming that he had sent Yan Poyue to the training ground that day to test his recovery. Li Xiang assured him that Yan Poyue had indeed overcome his PTSD, a fact witnessed by the entire company.

Episode 14 Recap

Yan Poyue, like Li Xiang in the past, possessed a one-track mind, and Li Xiang hoped that such a talented individual would have good luck. The next day, Regiment Commander Liu took Yan Poyue with him to a sentry post. Yan Poyue noticed Liu's bulging bag and discovered it was filled with notebooks containing detailed personal information about frontline soldiers.

Liu explained that close interaction and understanding beyond official reports were crucial for effective leadership and problem-solving, emphasizing the importance of keeping comrades in mind. Liu also recounted his own two failed attempts to join the Cheetah Commando. He then questioned Yan Poyue's motivation, asking whether killing enemies or saving comrades was more important to him in battle. Yan Poyue responded that comrades could protect themselves and medics were available if injured.

Liu criticized him for his self-centered view but nevertheless approved Yan Poyue's participation in the special forces selection, hoping he would find his true calling as a soldier there. Liu stayed at the sentry post for the night, sending Yan Poyue back to bid farewell to his comrades.

Yan Poyue said goodbye to his seniors, stating that he had received orders to continue guarding Hill 713, and that their honor and glory would remain on the battlefield, which they would firmly hold, never yielding an inch of territory to the enemy. He then met Ai Qianxue, who was also leaving to pursue a three-year postgraduate study at a military academy. They wished each other well, hoping to meet again as improved individuals.

Afterwards, Yan Poyue visited Fan Jin, offering him a T-shirt as a gift. Fan Jin, happy for Yan Poyue, urged him to see Li Xiang, who was also departing. Li Xiang, preparing for his transfer, visited the company's hall of honor, reflecting on his time there with deep reluctance. Instructor Chen Min Tao suggested a farewell party, but Li Xiang firmly declined, revealing he had bought a 5 AM train ticket specifically to leave without fanfare.

He reasoned that a new company commander would soon arrive, and everyone needed to adapt quickly, and he did not want to cause any inconvenience. Despite his wishes, the Special Service soldiers lined up to see him off. Overcome with emotion, Li Xiang delivered a poignant farewell speech, marking his last day as the ninth company commander. He hoped they would train diligently under the tenth commander, maintaining national prosperity and defending territorial security.

He also extended his regards to those on active duty and wished all comrades a safe return from future missions. He spoke individually to soldiers like Zhang Tian Yang, Xiao Yun Jie, Gao Zhun, and Zhou Zi Jian, reminding them that wearing military uniforms meant they were comrades and family, and that unity was most important. Yan Poyue was deeply affected by Li Xiang's departure, clutching his luggage.

Li Xiang shared his own experience of being eliminated from special forces selection, advising Yan Poyue to prepare thoroughly, both mentally and physically, for the challenge. Yan Poyue thanked him and expressed hope they would meet again. As a final farewell to Special Service, Li Xiang proposed a basketball game with the soldiers. Yan Poyue later reflected that he would forever remember Special Service because of Li Xiang. The news of military reform spread throughout the regiment.

With Ai Qianxue and Li Xiang gone, Yan Poyue also embarked on a new chapter. The briefing for the Cheetah Special Forces reserve members skill assessment began. It was explained that due to ongoing military reforms and the expansion of the Cheetah Commando, the selection would be a rigorous and highly competitive test against "soldier kings" from various units. Passing would mean enduring the army's toughest training and most dangerous missions, but also immense honor.

Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Zhang Tian Yang, Gao Zhun, Zhou Zi Jian, and Xiao Fei rode in a truck. Mid-journey, Lv Tu, the middle captain overseeing the assessment, announced that an SUV with only three available seats awaited them at the next pickup point, suggesting a direct competition for spots. He also introduced "smoke sticks" for those who wished to give up. Yan Poyue quickly recognized this as a psychological trap designed to foster conflict.

He argued that unity was paramount, not internal strife, pointing out that a jeep could accommodate more than just three people. Xiao Yun Jie and Zhang Tian Yang agreed, and even Xiao Fei reluctantly concurred. After Yan Poyue's group used a smoke bomb to lure Lv Tu's SUV, Lv Tu drove his vehicle to their location, only to be ambushed and "captured" by Yan Poyue's group.

Despite Lv Tu's anger and accusations of rule-breaking from another examiner, Yan Poyue skillfully argued that they had fulfilled the conditions by finding the vehicle and controlling the examiners. Impressed by their ingenuity, Lv Tu reluctantly passed all six of them but warned that he would remember their audacious act. Inside the SUV, a still-annoyed Lv Tu explained the next phase of the assessment: 60 participants would form three-person teams through "Free Combination" and engage in mutual confrontation.

Their objective was to reach a central designated area. The two surviving teams would become special forces reserve members. Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Zhang Tian Yang quickly formed a team. Zhang Tian Yang expressed concern for Zhou Zi Jian and Gao Zhun, but Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie assured him that they, being from the same hometown, would likely have already teamed up with Xiao Fei.

Zhang Tian Yang agreed to their team, stipulating that all actions must follow his command. Upon arrival at the next location, the three exhausted soldiers disembarked. Lv Tu discreetly instructed an examiner to keep the ambush incident a secret. Qin Feng, the captain, expressed curiosity upon hearing that Lv Tu had been ambushed by six men.

As expected, Zhou Zi Jian and Gao Zhun had indeed teamed up with Xiao Fei, and Zhang Tian Yang specifically asked Xiao Fei to look after his Special Service comrades. The final briefing detailed the rules for the upcoming 48-hour exercise. Participants were equipped with GPS digital maps to track their own and teammates' locations, and to navigate to the central area. Upon leaving the troop carrier, they were to immediately engage in mutual attack.

Eliminated participants' smoke packs would emit red smoke. Drones would periodically drop blue-smoke-emitting supply packages, which participants had to retrieve by their own skill, as they were not provided with sufficient food. After 48 hours, the two surviving teams in the central area would be picked up. The participants were then deployed to different starting points.

Yan Poyue, Zhang Tian Yang, and Xiao Yun Jie quickly began their movement, checking their GPS, identifying a building at six o'clock with an open view suitable for concealment, and setting up their communications. They remained vigilant, hearing gunshots echoing from seven o'clock, with Zhang Tian Yang securing the window and Xiao Yun Jie the door, as they detected approaching individuals at one o'clock.

Episode 15 Recap

During the ongoing selection, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Zhang Tian Yang formed a team, demonstrating excellent coordination. With 47 hours remaining until the selection concluded, Yan Poyue suggested a strategy not to engage in continuous combat, noting that doing so would deplete their chances of survival. Instead, they opted to temporarily lower their weapons and take turns resting, allowing other groups to fight among themselves while they reaped the benefits.

Although Xiao Yun Jie felt this approach was a bit cowardly, he and Zhang Tian Yang, their squad leader, agreed to it. Zhang Tian Yang then instructed Xiao Yun Jie to rest, with Yan Poyue taking the first watch. In the observation room, Lv Tu observed Yan Poyue's group resting and expressed his disapproval, calling them "cowards" who were "fishing in troubled waters" (taking advantage of the chaos). He ordered supplies to be dropped near their location.

However, the three did not rush to claim the supplies, anticipating that other participants would soon arrive, believing it better to wait until the last moment. To their surprise, it was Xiao Fei's group, including Hua Ping and Zhou Zi Jian, who managed to secure the supplies and even acquired a vehicle. Since both groups hailed from the same regiment, Xiao Fei proposed a temporary truce, suggesting they save their confrontation for the final round.

Meanwhile, Leng Jing inquired about her recommended participant. Qin Feng advised her not to be overly confident, revealing he had "thrown in a big fish" this time. Lv Tu mistakenly thought Qin Feng was referring to Yan Poyue, which Qin Feng dismissed with disdain, stating that Yan Poyue's arrogance and self-importance made him unworthy. Soon, Qin Feng's "big fish" made his appearance. Bai Long silently eliminated three participants, a display of skill that filled Qin Feng with pride.

Qin Feng explained that Bai Long, a former member of the Cheetah Commando, renowned as the "divine dragon," did not need to compete but was merely going through the motions. Bai Long had joined the army in 2008 but was discharged in 2015 when his mother was terminally ill, staying with her until her passing. He was now re-enlisting for the second time.

Despite receiving approval for direct re-entry, Bai Long, described as having a "one-track mind," insisted on undergoing a full re-assessment to ensure fairness, believing his physical and tactical skills needed re-evaluation after years away from the military. Lv Tu worried that Bai Long's extensive combat experience would make the selection unfair to other participants, but Qin Feng retorted that anyone unlucky enough to encounter Bai Long could only blame themselves. The selection continued.

Yan Poyue, Zhang Tian Yang, and Xiao Yun Jie encountered an enemy group and quickly jumped out of a window to find cover. Soon, a building caught fire, which Yan Poyue deduced was man-made, noting that the rules did not prohibit arson. The sudden appearance of a sniper startled everyone, prompting them to quickly take defensive positions. Yan Poyue's group decided not to engage the sniper immediately, as there were still two days left in the trial.

This sniper was Leng Jing’s recommendation. Although the sniper did not have an observer, Leng Jing remained confident, revealing that in her unit, the sniper's call sign was "Lone Wolf." Xiao Fei’s group later located Lone Wolf and attempted to form an alliance.

Xiao Fei expressed admiration for Lone Wolf's sharpshooting skills and proposed that Lone Wolf handle long-distance shooting while his three-person team provided "escort and protection" and secured supplies, especially since Lone Wolf's current supplies and ammunition seemed low. However, Lone Wolf remained silent and left without agreeing to the proposal.

Annoyed by the rejection and realizing they had been tricked by Lone Wolf (who they believed might have set traps), Xiao Fei's team decided it was best if Lone Wolf didn't ally with anyone. As night approached, they opted to retreat to their car, considering it the safest place. Zhang Tian Yang's leg was injured.

Nevertheless, after detecting an ambush in a nearby independent building, he decided they must attack, explaining that they couldn't spend the night without securing shelter before darkness fell and that a night raid would be too risky. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, though concerned about his injury, agreed to give their full effort. Observing eliminated soldiers receiving food on their transport vehicles, Xiao Yun Jie’s stomach grumbled. Yan Poyue also noticed the vehicles and suggested a plan.

Zhang Tian Yang confirmed that the rules did not explicitly forbid such an action, but stated they could only take food, not the vehicle itself. Yan Poyue initially offered for him and Xiao Yun Jie to go alone so Zhang Tian Yang could rest, but Zhang Tian Yang insisted on joining. They then ambushed the driver, but to their dismay, the vehicle contained nothing but two bottles of water.

Yan Poyue then decided they would hijack the vehicle to find food, a decision Zhang Tian Yang ultimately conceded to. In the command center, Leng Jing asked Qin Feng if hijacking a vehicle constituted a violation. Qin Feng clarified that the purpose of the assessment was "survival and confrontation," and as Yan Poyue’s group remained within the assessment area and the vehicle was within the exercise's scope, they were not violating any rules.

Lv Tu, however, commented that they were "using a loophole" and displaying "small cleverness," to which Qin Feng retorted that "small cleverness" depends on how it's used and found it quite effective. Yan Poyue's group used the stolen car as cover to grab a newly dropped supply. Xiao Fei’s group also spotted the same supply, leading to a confrontation. Xiao Fei's group, attempting a trick, tried to use a captured participant, Lao Qiao, as "bait" near the supply.

However, Yan Poyue's group recognized the ploy, and Yan Poyue warned his team to get to cover immediately, identifying the supply as a bait. A tense standoff ensued. Xiao Fei’s group appealed to their shared regiment background, but Yan Poyue's group firmly stated, "Only the fittest survives and the winner takes it all," declaring they had arrived first and deserved the supplies. Xiao Fei's group, refusing to back down, demanded the supplies.

Episode 16 Recap

Xiao Fei's group and Zhang Tian Yang's group confronted each other, both vying for supplies. Zhou Zi Jian and his comrade were openly hostile to Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, stating they would only consider giving supplies to their squad leader, Zhang Tian Yang. An eliminated soldier from earlier passed by, recognizing the vehicle Yan Poyue's group was using as the commando's car, and threatened to report them for theft.

This unnerved Zhang Tian Yang, who, fearing a confrontation and seeking to protect Yan Poyue, quickly ordered his team to abandon the supplies and get into their vehicle. Xiao Fei, observing Zhang Tian Yang's group's retreat, noted that Zhang Tian Yang’s leg was injured and he was limping, concluding that a fight would not have been to their advantage, and that Zhang Tian Yang’s primary concern was to protect Yan Poyue.

Just then, Bai Long appeared silently on a high vantage point. Xiao Fei, realizing Bai Long had no bullets left and would not initiate a fight, recognized him as the commando's inspector and an outstanding soldier from the 2013 selection. Curious about Bai Long's presence in the current competition, Xiao Fei was told he would find out if he won.

As a gesture of respect to a special forces veteran, Xiao Fei instructed Zhou Zi Jian to offer Bai Long two magazines and some food, despite their own limited supplies. Bai Long, unwilling to take advantage, asked for a condition. Xiao Fei proposed a collaboration, believing that with all the remaining participants being professionals, their combined efforts would lead to a successful outcome.

Bai Long accepted the offer implicitly by taking the supplies and leaving, boosting Xiao Fei's confidence that their victory was now assured. That night, Yan Poyue expressed his deep frustration to Zhang Tian Yang about abandoning the supplies, calling it an act of voluntary forfeiture that would leave them without the strength to continue by morning. Zhang Tian Yang explained that he couldn't bring himself to engage comrades from their former company in a firefight.

Zhang Tian Yang then asked Yan Poyue why he himself didn't shoot, to which Yan Poyue revealed his reason for holding back: a promise he made to follow Zhang Tian Yang's orders after Zhang Tian Yang took a bullet for him. However, Yan Poyue declared that he would no longer be held back and was determined to secure one of the final six spots.

Just as he finished speaking, an explosion echoed, which Xiao Yun Jie recognized as the sniper's attempt to use them as bait to draw out other contestants. Soon, they found themselves completely surrounded. Zhang Tian Yang, acknowledging his own leg injury would hinder him, told Yan Poyue to ensure both he and Xiao Yun Jie secured places among the six winners. He then bravely jumped out to draw the enemy's attention, sacrificing himself.

Yan Poyue, understanding Zhang Tian Yang's intention to help them win, urged Xiao Yun Jie not to let their squad leader down. In the observation room, Qin Feng expressed regret over Zhang Tian Yang's elimination, citing his knee injury, while Leng Jing confidently predicted that Lone Wolf would eliminate all remaining participants that night. Having successfully drawn enemy fire, Zhang Tian Yang, his injured leg giving out, revealed his inability to continue the assessment.

As he lay on the ground, he triggered a booby trap beneath his body, which he called a "suicide bomb," eliminating the six soldiers who had approached him, asserting he wanted his final act to "count for something." Meanwhile, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie remained trapped by the highly skilled and patient sniper.

Deciding to take a calculated risk, Yan Poyue instructed Xiao Yun Jie to use his helmet as a decoy after five minutes and detonate a device upon hearing a gunshot, while Yan Poyue himself went to engage the sniper directly. Though Yan Poyue confronted the sniper, the individual managed to escape after biting Yan Poyue's hand. Later, Lv Tu arrived in a transport vehicle to collect the eliminated soldiers.

Xiao Yun Jie rushed to bid farewell to Zhang Tian Yang, who was already inside, but Zhang Tian Yang, avoiding eye contact, merely told him to "go back and review this" and "come back again." As the vehicle departed, Xiao Yun Jie ran alongside it for a long distance, while Zhang Tian Yang, with a pained expression, looked back once Xiao Yun Jie was out of sight.

Inside, Zhang Tian Yang led the other eliminated soldiers in a song, signifying his reluctance to leave and his hope that Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie would succeed. Yan Poyue, observing Xiao Yun Jie's distress, explained that this was Zhang Tian Yang's choice, and that his actions were valuable, leading to the elimination of several others.

When Xiao Yun Jie lamented that they came together, Yan Poyue countered by asking if he wished to go back with Zhang Tian Yang, firmly stating his own determination to remain and succeed. The next morning, only ten participants remained. Bai Long informed Xiao Fei and his team that he could guide them no further; they must now rely on themselves to enter the central area. He wished them success, reminding them that the final six would qualify.

Despite pleas from Zhou Zi Jian to stay together, Bai Long departed. Xiao Fei noted that he had hoped Bai Long, recalling their brief alliance, would not have actively targeted them. Meanwhile, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie cautiously entered the unexpectedly quiet central area, realizing others had arrived before them and that every step could conceal a trap. Inside, Yan Poyue encountered Bai Long.

After a brief exchange, Bai Long stated that Yan Poyue would not have been able to hit him if Bai Long had bullets. Bai Long praised Yan Poyue, offering him another chance and telling him to meet at Cheetah. Bai Long then explained that only two more eliminations were needed to conclude the selection.

He directed them to deal with the individual outside who was "waiting for them to wear themselves out," after which only one more internal elimination would be necessary. Bai Long then stepped outside and began to loudly provoke Lone Wolf, calling her a coward and daring her to shoot him, asserting he was out of bullets. He relentlessly taunted her, questioning if she was a "gutless turtle" waiting for the selection to end.

Eventually, a shot was fired, and smoke rose from Bai Long's position, signaling what appeared to be his elimination. However, Qin Feng, observing the events, expressed skepticism, feeling that the situation was "not that simple." Inside, Zhou Zi Jian located Xiao Fei, proposing they corner Yan Poyue to end the exercise, thus securing their places. To Zhou Zi Jian's shock, Xiao Fei suddenly turned and shot him.

Xiao Yun Jie and their remaining teammate (Xu Yang) were furious at Xiao Fei's cold-blooded act, calling him crazy. Xiao Fei, however, defended his actions, declaring that competition was like war and all was fair, dismissing their alliance as merely a "temporary combination," and asserting that no soldier stays in the same unit forever. Yan Poyue, enraged by this betrayal, declared that for him, the fight was far from over.

Outside, the sniper, lured out by Bai Long's taunts, revealed herself to be a female soldier named Guo Xiaoxiao. Bai Long then disclosed that his red smoke was from a homemade device, concocted from sugar, nitrate found around a toilet, and chemical agents, confirming he was not truly eliminated. Bai Long and Guo Xiaoxiao swiftly engaged in intense hand-to-hand combat. Simultaneously, Yan Poyue and Xiao Fei were locked in their own fierce struggle.

Xiao Fei vehemently stated that he had waited three years for this opportunity, having been betrayed and eliminated by a teammate in the previous assessment, and he would not lose this time. As Xiao Fei choked him, Yan Poyue angrily condemned his actions, drawing a stark contrast between Xiao Fei's betrayal of a comrade and Zhang Tian Yang's ultimate sacrifice for his team. In the climactic moment, Xiao Fei and Yan Poyue simultaneously emitted smoke, signaling their elimination.

The "competition is over" announcement officially ended the assessment. Qin Feng and Lv Tu arrived, first greeting Bai Long and Guo Xiaoxiao. Qin Feng welcomed Bai Long back to the team, jokingly inquiring about his ingenuity in "finding nitrate around the toilet" for his homemade smoke. Bai Long, revealing he was not idle during his years away, simply smiled. Qin Feng then announced Xiao Yun Jie, Xu Yang, and Zhou Zi Jian as qualified, congratulating the three.

Xiao Fei, indignant, demanded his rightful place as the sixth qualifier, claiming he had been sabotaged. Qin Feng acknowledged Xiao Fei's impressive record as an outstanding non-commissioned officer and a decorated fighter, but firmly stated there would "never be a place" for him in Cheetah, because he was "not worthy." Qin Feng emphasized that for the Cheetah commando, "a comrade's life is more important than one's own," and Xiao Fei's act of betraying his teammates for victory was unacceptable.

He declared that even if Xiao Fei had been among the top six, he would not be permitted to set foot in Cheetah. Xiao Fei, recalling his past elimination by a teammate's betrayal, protested the unfairness, but Qin Feng revealed that his former betraying teammate, Mao Huaiqing, had also been eliminated. Xiao Fei then accused Qin Feng of partiality, demanding to know why Yan Poyue would be chosen over him when they were eliminated simultaneously. Qin Feng, however, retorted by asking when he ever implied he would keep Yan Poyue. Xiao Fei, consumed by hatred, vowed that they would all "meet again one day."

Episode 17 Recap

Xiao Fei, resentful after being eliminated, accused Qin Feng of partiality, claiming his and Yan Poyue's "smokes" came out simultaneously. Qin Feng denied favoring Yan Poyue and dismissed Xiao Fei, who departed with a vow to meet them again. Qin Feng then stopped Yan Poyue, reminding everyone to engrave the principle "comrades are more important than life" into their minds, emphasizing that their sacrifices must be meaningful.

Qin Feng acknowledged Yan Poyue's perseverance but pointed out that his simultaneous elimination with Xiao Fei would cause resentment if he were admitted. Yan Poyue, undeterred, stated his intention to try again, prompting Qin Feng to offer him an immediate opportunity. Qin Feng then turned his attention to Guo Xiaoxiao, expressing his initial reluctance to recruit female soldiers due to potential integration difficulties and the risk of becoming a fatal harm for the team.

Guo Xiaoxiao, identifying herself as a sniper, was questioned on her need for a team. Qin Feng posed a hypothetical scenario to Yan Poyue: what would he do if Guo Xiaoxiao was captured—abandon her or undertake a risky rescue operation? Yan Poyue responded with Qin Feng's own words, "comrades are more important than life." Pleased, Qin Feng announced only one spot remained and ordered Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao to compete for it.

Unexpectedly, Yan Poyue forfeited, asserting that Guo Xiaoxiao had already passed the selection, and he had no right to challenge her further. Instead, he declared his intent to "train until I drop" and try again. He urged Xiao Yun Jie and Zhou Zi Jian not to let him catch up once they joined the Cheetah Commando.

Leng Jing intervened, revealing it was a psychological test and advising Qin Feng and Lv Tu, who were known for frightening recruits, to ease up. Ultimately, Qin Feng informed Yan Poyue that six recruits were being selected, and he was the last of them, congratulating him. Yan Poyue, still in disbelief, vowed to become the first among them. Yan Poyue reflected on the impressive backgrounds of the other recruits.

Bai Long was an anti-terrorism elite and a legend of the Cheetah Commando, having re-enlisted for unknown reasons after years of service as an instructor. Guo Xiaoxiao, codenamed "Lone Wolf," was a sniper transferred from a peacekeeping special unit with multiple merits. Yan Poyue felt his and his friends' records were insignificant in comparison. The group then boarded a helicopter, from which Qin Feng demonstrated a "Low-altitude jump descent in hover," marking the official start of special forces training.

Despite the daunting three-meter drop, Yan Poyue was the first to jump without hesitation, followed by Guo Xiaoxiao, who handled it with ease. Fifty recruits, including the six, were selected, and Qin Feng handed them over to Lv Tu. Lv Tu introduced himself, informing the new "reserve" recruits that their personal information was now a military secret, and they would be identified by numbers.

He stressed that they were still far from being true special forces members, facing an over 80% elimination rate, and even the risk of death. He challenged anyone afraid to quit, but all refused. The initial training began with a long-distance run, with the last person being eliminated.

Xiao Yun Jie complained to Yan Poyue that they couldn't keep up with Bai Long or even Guo Xiaoxiao, who were both Private First Class soldiers among corporals, leading to accusations of nepotism from other recruits. Yan Poyue told Xiao Yun Jie to save his energy. During the run, Lv Tu arranged a water obstacle.

Yan Poyue, realizing the trick, deliberately led Xiao Yun Jie and Guo Xiaoxiao back to "wash off" in the water, even jokingly asking for shampoo, while secretly gaining an advantage as other recruits followed suit only to find the water supply cut. Lv Tu then promised a "hearty meal" ahead, prompting the recruits to speed up. Yan Poyue was skeptical, but Guo Xiaoxiao simply stated that anything edible would suffice. As Yan Poyue suspected, the "meal" consisted of insects.

While Bai Long and Guo Xiaoxiao ate without fuss, most other recruits, including Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, were disgusted. Lv Tu recounted how Guo Xiaoxiao once survived three weeks in an African jungle on just one packet of hardtack. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie eagerly asked her about her survival methods, to which she calmly replied, "ant eggs."

For salt, she licked stones and ate soil, and to combat parasites, she drank kerosene every twelve hours, describing finding kerosene as "extremely lucky" in the wild. Initially, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie refused the insects and gave them to Guo Xiaoxiao, but realizing the need for energy for the intense training, they eventually forced themselves to eat. Hearing that Guo Xiaoxiao ate raw food in the wild, Yan Poyue ate his portion more readily.

After finishing the insects, Guo Xiaoxiao declared her "favor" repaid and walked away, stating they would now "go our own ways." The grueling run continued, with Yan Poyue struggling to suppress nausea. They eventually realized they had run in a large circle, returning to their starting point. Lv Tu stopped his vehicle and mockingly commented on showing them the "scenery" twice, then handed them over to the next instructor, Cao Ben.

Cao Ben revealed that the camp was not far from where they had eaten the insects, but now they had to carry 15kg of supplies back. Leng Jing expressed concern to Qin Feng, noting they had already run 40 kilometers and suggesting Guo Xiaoxiao, as a female soldier, should be assessed by female standards. Qin Feng, calmly eating a bun, dismissed the suggestion, stating that since Leng Jing herself had transferred Guo Xiaoxiao, she should persevere and not embarrass her.

Yan Poyue repeatedly felt on the verge of collapsing but pushed through. Bai Long was the first to arrive at the camp, followed by the main group, all utterly exhausted. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie were pale and struggled even to drink water.

The last two to arrive simultaneously, Number 37 and Number 43, were both eliminated by Qin Feng, who explained that during the march, Number 37 rested for five minutes and Number 43 for three minutes, while others ran non-stop. He delivered a stern lecture, drawing an analogy to "The Tortoise and The Hare," emphasizing that in special operations, opponents are elite, and even a minor lapse could lead to death.

He declared that to survive, they must be like the tortoise, running relentlessly, extracting every ounce of strength, never slackening or falling behind, or the battlefield would eliminate them. Upon entering the base, the recruits observed other soldiers undergoing brutal training, their eyes reflecting a fervent desire to join them. Strict controls were imposed: their freedom was severely restricted, and they were forbidden from leaving the building without orders.

Zhou Zi Jian questioned his dorm assignment and was penalized with 200 push-ups. Later, lying on their beds, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie felt a profound sense of unreality about finally being selected. A dorm mate shared secretly stored beef jerky, and Zhou Zi Jian joined in, gossiping about Bai Long and Cao Ben.

The dorm mates discussed the Cheetah Commando's "Four Noes And One Without Principles": no intimacy, no feelings, no conditions, no compromise of standards, and without any dignity, anticipating the tough days ahead. At 3 AM, as snores filled the dorm, Qin Feng's whistle suddenly pierced the air, signaling an emergency assembly in the dark.

Episode 18 Recap

At three in the morning, a whistle for emergency assembly pierced the night. Trainees grumbled, suspecting the instructors were intentionally pushing them. Zhou Zi Jian (Number 29) was the last to arrive, explaining he was too tired to hear the call. Qin Feng sternly declared that tiredness was no excuse, as their enemies would show no mercy. He explained that from now on, they would train for unconventional warfare, transforming from mere tools into "sharp blades" and "sharp knives."

He then called out Yan Poyue (Number 27) for looking at Xiao Yun Jie (Number 28), dismissing their squad bond and questioning if they were "eager to help your comrade." Qin Feng announced that all future training would be done in two-person teams, assigned by instructors, not freely chosen. Both team members had to pass each course; if one failed, both would restart.

He pointed to a "farewell platform" where anyone who couldn't endure could place their helmet and number plate, but only after loudly shouting, "I give up!" He concluded by stating that the team with the worst performance would be eliminated. The instructor's pairings were strategic, intentionally grouping individuals with existing conflicts. Xiao Yun Jie was paired with Bai Long (Number 30), and Yan Poyue with Guo Xiaoxiao (Number 31), whom he internally referred to as "Lone Wolf."

The first task was combat training, requiring them to knock out their opponent. Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao stood motionless. Qin Feng questioned if they were "doing breathing exercise," to which Yan Poyue declared he would not hit a woman. Guo Xiaoxiao responded fiercely, declaring she was his enemy, then attacked him. Yan Poyue finally fought back, with Qin Feng urging them to continue with that spirit.

After the mud pit combat, Bai Long suddenly challenged instructor Cao Ben to a fight. Cao Ben initially refused, reminding Bai Long that reserve members had no right to make demands of instructors. Bai Long clarified it was a challenge, not a request. Lv Tu tried to intervene, telling Bai Long to quit and reminding him it was a training ground, but Bai Long pushed him aside. Bai Long then dared Cao Ben to refuse in front of everyone.

Cao Ben reluctantly accepted, viewing it as a demonstration for the other trainees. Trainees murmured that Bai Long, being a re-enlistment, likely had a history with Cao Ben. The two fought aggressively, using deadly force. Qin Feng quickly stopped the fight, reprimanding them that despite their roles, they shared another title: "comrade."

He explained that most of them hadn't faced desperate situations or "unconventional warfare," and in such times, beyond faith and determination, their "comrades are the only ones you can rely on! Your life is yours, but also each other's!" For the next task, to "understand more deeply about the meaning of the word comrade," Qin Feng instructed them to carry a teammate back to Base 125, emphasizing that "comradeship is forged through blood and sweat."

He made Bai Long carry Cao Ben, to Cao Ben's dismay. Guo Xiaoxiao moved to carry Yan Poyue, but he quickly hoisted her onto his shoulder instead, stating there was "no way I'll let you carry me." Finding himself without a partner, Xiao Yun Jie was instructed to carry Lv Tu. As they ran, Yan Poyue reflected that this journey was neither heaven nor hell, but a long road where falling behind meant being lost forever.

He was determined not to fall behind, for "at the end of the road, there are my dream and dignity." Back at the base, Bai Long and Cao Ben remained defiantly at odds. Lv Tu announced the next challenge: scaling the Lazy Man's Ladder in pairs. He demonstrated the climb, then increased the difficulty by pouring detergent on the ladder, mockingly saying he prepared it because they were all so "dirty" and needed to "clean yourself up."

Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao navigated the slippery ladder, helping each other as they climbed. At the end of the day, Qin Feng deemed their training "passable." When a soldier complained about not having eaten since morning, Qin Feng declared that they would only receive an extra bucket of water and if they were hungry, they should "just drink water."

He explained that "love from company commander or care from squad leader" did not exist here, and anyone who couldn't endure the hunger could quit. When no one volunteered to leave, Qin Feng announced the elimination of the team with the worst performance: numbers 36 and 41. They protested, claiming their poor performance was due to hunger and asking for another chance. Qin Feng refused, stating that on the battlefield, the enemy would not grant second chances.

He explained that different individuals performed differently under extreme conditions and sent them back to "the post that is more suitable for you," instructing Cao Ben to feed them and send them away the next day. In their dorm, the remaining trainees lamented their hunger. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie discussed their old unit, Regiment 247, which had been "reorganized and moved," leaving them with "no way back."

Another trainee from Detachment 29 revealed that if he didn't make the cut, he would retire. The soldiers were too restless to sleep soundly, fearing another emergency assembly, emphasizing the need to "stay alert." Later, Qin Feng discussed the training with Leng Jing. He mentioned Guo Xiaoxiao's excellent performance but expressed concern over Bai Long's emotional state, describing his challenge against Cao Ben as "resenting" a "loss."

Leng Jing, appearing agitated, challenged Qin Feng, asking if he was talking about Bai Long or her, and reiterated that "what is lost is lost. It's forever gone." Qin Feng then referenced the "Cobra Operation" three years prior, after which Bai Long was discharged. He admitted he "always thought his wound was healed," implying a shared past trauma related to a person named Xiang Fei, whose name Leng Jing wanted him not to mention.

Unwilling to continue the conversation, Leng Jing abruptly left. That night, Cao Ben had released gas into the barracks, and the dorm doors were locked, threatening suffocation. With no water left to wet their towels, Yan Poyue urgently suggested using urine. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie broke through windows to escape. Qin Feng questioned them about "destruction of public property." Yan Poyue claimed there was "no other way out."

In contrast, Guo Xiaoxiao revealed she found the key hidden in a window crevice and opened her door. Zhou Zi Jian also reported that Bai Long had found a key, allowing their team to exit normally. Qin Feng ordered those who damaged property to repair the doors and windows at the green warehouse by 6:30 AM, or face elimination. A new set of numbers had appeared on the "farewell platform," indicating more trainees had quit.

After a full day and night without food, a food truck finally arrived with buns, milk, and soy milk. Qin Feng announced they could "eat as much as you can" with "no tricks," but imposed a strict three-minute time limit. The trainees swarmed the truck, frantically grabbing food. Yan Poyue noticed that Bai Long and Guo Xiaoxiao ate very little, sensing a "trick."

Qin Feng then declared that the next training item would be "gentle" and guaranteed they wouldn't sweat – because it was in water. He gave another opportunity to quit. When questioned about her endurance, Guo Xiaoxiao asserted she was "doing fine." When Qin Feng hinted Yan Poyue was not like the "ace units" trainees and could quit, Yan Poyue retorted, "I'm stronger than them!"

Qin Feng then ordered Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao to demonstrate the next task: "water self-rescue," where they would jump into the pool with hands and feet tied, as a two-person team, with a two-minute limit. Underwater, Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao worked together, successfully saving themselves. After the exercise, Qin Feng eliminated trainees 17 and 8 for exceeding the time limit. Trainee 8 protested, claiming he made it out on time and only 17 should be eliminated.

Qin Feng clarified that the rule for two-person teams meant they were expected to help each other, stating, "Those who only care about their own interests and not about the lives of others, get out of Cheetah!" He commended trainee 17, acknowledging his efforts but concluding his "physical conditions may not be suitable for special forces," suggesting he could thrive in other roles.

Yan Poyue observed that while he was accustomed to trainees leaving daily, he found Guo Xiaoxiao's calm assistance unsettling, as if she were inherently strong and helping the weak. Yet, he firmly believed, "But I'm never weak." The next task involved groups of four carrying a heavy wooden log and sprinting 100 meters, with the slowest group being "rewarded" with 200 push-ups.

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie took the front of the log, while Guo Xiaoxiao and Bai Long were at the back. Bai Long attempted to shift some of the log's weight to ease Guo Xiaoxiao's burden, but she sharply refused his help, telling him to "mind your own business."

Episode 19 Recap

The intense training continued to escalate, with increased difficulty. During a shooting drill, the instructor, Cao Ben, announced the results. Bai Long, designated as number 30, and Guo Xiaoxiao, number 31, barely met the standard, while everyone else failed. Cao Ben emphasized that to join the Cheetah Special Forces, they needed to put in two hundred percent effort. In three days, they would face a physical shooting assessment under extreme conditions, and anyone scoring below eighty-five points would be eliminated.

Xiao Yun Jie, exasperated, complained that the training was designed to push them to their limits, as if everyone was a sniper. Yan Poyue requested additional ammunition for extra practice, but Cao Ben reprimanded him for wasting too many bullets and advised him to use his brain more in future training. Determined not to be eliminated, Yan Poyue approached Guo Xiaoxiao, who was known to be a skilled sniper, for guidance.

He explained his intention to improve his shooting for the upcoming moving target assessment. Guo Xiaoxiao, identifying herself only by her number, 31, initially seemed reluctant. She told Yan Poyue that to become an excellent shooter, one must achieve stability of mind, hand, and vision. Yan Poyue, proud of his years of horse stance and brick-holding training, believed his hands were steady enough. Guo Xiaoxiao, however, pointed out his recent target scores, which contradicted his claim.

She then asked how long he could hold his breath underwater, to which he replied around three minutes, a time he considered close to a professional diver's record for an ordinary person. Guo Xiaoxiao scoffed, stating that he needed to hold his breath for at least six minutes, and that her personal record was seven minutes and forty-five seconds, which she considered her regular performance.

Intrigued, Yan Poyue asked how she achieved this, and she told him to meet her at her dorm before lights out. Later, while washing up, Xiao Yun Jie tried to engage Bai Long in conversation, asking if this was his second enlistment, but Bai Long dismissed him curtly.

Zhou Zi Jian then pulled Xiao Yun Jie aside, whispering that their regiment had been reorganized and transferred to a high-altitude base to serve as "sparring partners"—essentially professional punching bags for other elite units. This meant they truly had no way back. Xiao Yun Jie rushed to tell Yan Poyue the dire news, stressing that they absolutely could not afford to be eliminated and return to such a fate.

Yan Poyue, confident in their abilities, assured him they wouldn't be eliminated, and then proceeded downstairs to find Guo Xiaoxiao. A sentinel initially blocked him, but Lv Tu arrived and allowed Yan Poyue to explain his poor shooting performance and his desire to learn how to stabilize his body from Guo Xiaoxiao. Lv Tu was pleased by Yan Poyue's initiative, noting that the day's training had clearly benefited him.

Lv Tu also informed Yan Poyue that Guo Xiaoxiao, as a sniper, achieved exceptional breath-holding times far beyond what she had revealed, explaining that prolonged static apnoea leads to greater shooting stability. He elaborated on the technique, involving multiple deep breaths to purge carbon dioxide and calm the mind, and how immersing oneself in cold water could further slow the heart rate to approximately seventy percent and reduce oxygen consumption, eventually allowing for self-hypnosis and similar effects in combat.

Seeing Yan Poyue’s eager quest for knowledge, Lv Tu agreed to give him ten minutes to speak with Guo Xiaoxiao. Yan Poyue knocked on her door. Guo Xiaoxiao opened it and immediately placed a needle and a few rice grains in his hand. Her first instruction was for him to perform one hundred push-ups, then hold his breath and use the needle to carve a flower onto a grain of rice.

She explained that this "micro-carving" was the most basic training for hand-eye coordination, and a more challenging version of a known exercise where soldiers, after intense physical exertion, are made to pick up scattered rice grains one by one to train their immediate transition to stillness. Yan Poyue found the method unbelievable and struggled, his hand trembling uncontrollably after the push-ups. Guo Xiaoxiao laughed at his initial attempt, which angered Yan Poyue, who started to walk away.

Guo Xiaoxiao quickly chastised him, reminding him that as a special forces operative, he might face overwhelming enemy numbers and would need to retreat while engaging in sudden ambushes. In such situations, emotional outbursts would be useless and endanger his comrades. She stressed the importance of transitioning from high-speed movement to immediate stillness while maintaining a calm state, enabling precise shots with steady hands.

She explained the two key factors for hand stability: learning to deceive one's own body and mastering military techniques. Deceiving the body involved generating an intense belief that failure to stabilize instantly would result in death, thereby forcing the body to unlock its full potential, much like a person hanging by one arm over a cliff could defy physical limits under threat of death.

She also advised targeted training, such as moving in a "Three Charge One Stop State," an irregular pace that makes a soldier a difficult target for snipers, similar to a vehicle swerving to avoid artillery fire. With Guo Xiaoxiao's guidance and constant practice, Yan Poyue eventually succeeded in carving a flower, albeit a simple one that Guo Xiaoxiao teased looked like a kindergarten teacher's red flower. Despite her teasing, Yan Poyue was immensely proud of his achievement.

Three days later, the assessments began. The first was moving target shooting over mid to long distances during a march. The visibility was intentionally reduced to simulate battlefield conditions, forcing soldiers to rely on instinct. Guo Xiaoxiao performed flawlessly, hitting all ten targets. Yan Poyue, however, only hit four targets in his first attempt, leaving him with a low score and requiring exceptionally high scores in subsequent rounds to avoid elimination.

The second assessment involved shooting at moving targets in a simulated alleyway, performed in pairs. The instructor warned that failing to hit targets could lead to elimination or accidental injury to a teammate. Yan Poyue (number 27) and Guo Xiaoxiao (number 31) were paired for this round. To everyone’s relief, both Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao hit all ten bullseyes, demonstrating Yan Poyue’s progress under Guo Xiaoxiao’s tutelage. Qin Feng, observing their success, allowed himself a small smile.

The final phase of the assessment was a physical shooting test under extreme conditions. Soldiers had to engage moving targets, emptying their magazines within thirty seconds, all while being sprayed with ice water and simultaneously answering random tactical questions from the instructors.

Soldiers were tested on their knowledge of equipment like the M18A1 Claymore's lethal range (60 degrees, 50 meters), the Dragon Missile's flareback danger zone (30 meters), the M2 Bradley's maximum crew (9 personnel), and the Mk 19 Automatic Grenade Launcher's maximum range (1600 meters).

When Qin Feng provocatively asked Guo Xiaoxiao if female soldiers were weaker than males, she defiantly declared her strength and, when ordered to do fifty push-ups, volunteered to do one hundred, prompting Qin Feng to demand two hundred instead. Yan Poyue was also challenged with complex calculations involving C-4 explosives and safety fuses. Yan Poyue endured the harsh conditions, his mind resolute.

He acknowledged that Qin Feng, a major, held immense power over their fates, but he inwardly vowed to master his own destiny. He then reflected in a letter to Ai Qianxue, enclosing the tiny rice grain carved with the red flower, that his final test, the "Hellish Week," was set for tomorrow, and he was determined to uphold the honor of their 247th Regiment.

Following the grueling training, Qin Feng assembled the recruits and, to their utter surprise and suspicion, announced that, as a reward for their outstanding performance, they would receive a day of rest tomorrow. Xiao Yun Jie expressed his unease, convinced that this unexpected respite was too good to be true, but others tried to reassure him.

Episode 20 Recap

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie found it hard to believe Qin Feng's offer of rest, adhering to the belief that no hope meant no disappointment. Their suspicions were confirmed when an emergency assembly whistle blew in the middle of the night, prompting everyone to quickly pack up and board trucks to leave the base.

On the truck, Xiao Yun Jie noted that their helmets contained an Individual Combat System, capable of real-time monitoring of their movements, physiological functions, and even their voices were being tracked. At the command center, Leng Jing proudly highlighted Guo Xiaoxiao's consistent lead in training, to which Qin Feng acknowledged her keen eye, but added that this final round was specifically designed to challenge even the most experienced soldiers.

After two months of intense training, the participants were now facing their ultimate assessment: Hell Week. Those who endured would become true special forces members. Qin Feng informed the trainees that they were in the most dreadful part of the southwest tropical rainforest, a place where many war-era bodies were buried. Over the next five days, they would need to traverse more than 100 kilometers of jungle and swamp, using a compass and map to reach an end point.

They could act alone or form teams and would encounter multiple unexpected events. Anyone unable to continue could activate a positioning device on their helmet, or use a smoking tool if it failed, for a helicopter rescue, but this would mean elimination. Their first challenge was to climb a precipice to enter the primeval jungle. Bai Long attempted it first, confirming it was impossible without climbing gear. Yan Poyue agreed with Bai Long's suggestion to form a Human Ladder.

Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and another team member positioned themselves to form the ladder, allowing Guo Xiaoxiao, referred to as Number 31, to climb first. She then threw a rope down for the others. Qin Feng observed their collective effort on the monitors and expressed satisfaction. After successfully overcoming the first obstacle, the teams dispersed. Xiao Yun Jie, convinced that Guo Xiaoxiao had experience in such jungles, approached her to form a trio with Yan Poyue.

He exaggerated the dangers, claiming they, as men, needed her protection. Yan Poyue discreetly tried to object but Xiao Yun Jie silenced him. Guo Xiaoxiao agreed, but only on the condition that they would follow her lead in any situation. Just one day into the assessment, many participants were already showing signs of exhaustion. Xiao Yun Jie complained of hunger, but Guo Xiaoxiao calmly stated that this was how the next few days would be.

She recounted surviving 27 days in a jungle with just one energy bar. When Xiao Yun Jie asked if she ate ant's eggs, she said they were hard to find here, but the jungle was full of other insects. Yan Poyue, unwilling to be outdone, suggested they look for them together, declaring he would eat them first if found.

Meanwhile, at the command center, Cao Ben voiced his concern that a quarter of the participants were running fevers, and several had infected wounds. He worried the Hell Week standards were too high for the new recruits. Qin Feng remained firm, reminding Cao Ben of their past experience, being trapped by drug traffickers in the mountains for seven days and nights, where a comrade, Fei, sacrificed himself to save Cao Ben from a landmine.

Qin Feng insisted that "old Cheetahs" did it, so "new Cheetahs" must too, emphasizing that all training was based on real combat scenarios. Later, Yan Poyue, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Xiao Yun Jie found a snake. Guo Xiaoxiao, unfazed, caught it and prepared it for cooking. Xiao Yun Jie, who feared snakes, worms, and cockroaches, refused to eat it, even as Yan Poyue teased him with the grilled meat.

Suddenly, a stun grenade exploded, followed by a loud bang, and a group of black-clad individuals attacked them. Guo Xiaoxiao immediately ordered a retreat, stating that not reaching the end point was the true failure, not retreating from a disadvantage. Guo Xiaoxiao’s shoulder had been hit multiple times and was likely swollen. Yan Poyue, in his characteristic blunt manner, pointed out her injuries would affect their speed. Xiao Yun Jie intervened, taking Guo Xiaoxiao's backpack to help her.

In the control center, Qin Feng instructed his team to continue tracking the participants and push them towards the end point. Many participants were soon overcome by exhaustion, with some collapsing and others choosing to withdraw to avoid burdening their teammates. The trio continued through the dense jungle, which was rife with leeches that could penetrate even protective clothing. They encountered Bai Long, who was calmly eating raw bird meat and offered them some.

Xiao Yun Jie invited Bai Long to join their team, but Bai Long declined, stating his preference for solitary travel. He explained that he only formed bonds with "true comrades" and had experienced too many losses, not wanting to "waste feelings for nothing." He wished them luck in reaching the end. As the jungle grew denser, they realized they were walking in circles. Guo Xiaoxiao suggested climbing over a lit-up ridge.

Yan Poyue volunteered to scout ahead, but he accidentally fell into a deep hole, triggering traumatic childhood memories of being trapped in a well while many people watched, none offering help. His monitoring signal was immediately interrupted. At the command center, Cao Ben wanted to dispatch a helicopter, but Lv Tu stopped him, noting that Yan Poyue's vital signs showed no immediate life-threatening danger, trusting the trainees as mature soldiers.

Guo Xiaoxiao and Xiao Yun Jie debated who should descend to rescue Yan Poyue. Guo Xiaoxiao asserted her higher rank and seniority to go down, promising to request a helicopter if Yan Poyue couldn't continue. Soon after, her signal also cut out due to the unstable signal in the valley. Qin Feng remained unfazed, simply asking for coffee, pointing out that neither of them had sent out a distress signal.

Meanwhile, Xiao Yun Jie encountered Zhou Zi Jian, who was limping with a swollen arm from a spider bite. Despite Zhou Zi Jian's negative remarks about Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie helped treat his wound, reminding him not to speak ill of their comrades. Down in the hole, Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao tried to climb out using a rope but fell back down, exhausted.

Lying there, Yan Poyue recounted his childhood experience of being trapped in a well and realizing he could only rely on himself. Guo Xiaoxiao told him that Xiao Yun Jie had been frantic with worry when he fell. They then shared personal details, with Yan Poyue revealing his family were soldiers and Guo Xiaoxiao stating she was from Inner Mongolia, to which Yan Poyue remarked was why she was so strong. Yan Poyue, seemingly still affected by his past trauma, defiantly said he would rather eat the smoking tool than ask for help.

Episode 21 Recap

Guo Xiaoxiao, hailing from the grasslands, shared her father's philosophy that people are categorized into three types: sheep, sheepdogs, and wolves. Sheep live dependent on others, sheepdogs live for others, and wolves live solely for themselves. While she initially chose to be a wolf, joining the army shifted her perspective, leading her to embrace the role of a sheepdog, living for others.

The final phase of the selection process was where Yan Poyue made her realize the crucial need for teammates. Trapped together in a deep hole, Guo Xiaoxiao extended her hand to Yan Poyue, their shared names prompting a moment of lighthearted laughter. From above, Xiao Yun Jie peered down, relieved to see them alive and chatting animatedly. Soon after, Xiao Yun Jie lowered a vine, enabling both Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao to climb out of the pit.

With Zhou Zi Jian, who had suffered a spider bite, they fashioned a makeshift stretcher and continued their trek. Zhou Zi Jian, burdened by his injury, urged them to leave him behind, but Guo Xiaoxiao quickly located and applied a cooling herbal remedy to his arm, allowing them to proceed. Along the way, they noticed "imaginary enemies" were not directly engaging them but rather herding stragglers towards the rally point, as the assessment was set to conclude before nightfall.

At the rally point, just five minutes before the deadline, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Zhou Zi Jian, and Guo Xiaoxiao successfully arrived, joining a total of twenty-three participants. Observing the unexpected number of survivors, Yan Poyue instinctively felt that further challenges awaited. The commander, Lv Tu, announced "good news" that they had made it, followed by "better news"—dinner. However, upon entering the tent, they found not food, but an array of weapons.

Lv Tu clarified that this was "mental food" designed to unleash their potential and courage. He then announced that the rally point had been "attacked," forcing them to retreat 50 kilometers to a backup rally point. To heighten the challenge, the pursuit team would consist of all the instructors. Xiao Yun Jie protested the unfairness, but Lv Tu countered that war itself is never fair.

Qin Feng, leading the instructors, ordered his teams to form a fierce siege from four directions to exert intense pressure. When Leng Jing voiced concern that few would remain, Qin Feng dismissed it, stating his goal was to identify only the absolute best. Later, while making their way through the forest, Yan Poyue's group encountered a man named Yue Kong, who claimed to be a lost member of the Yun Ling exploration team.

They cautiously examined his identification, finding no immediate suspicious elements. Yue Kong pleaded for them to take him along, explaining he had been lost for two days. Guo Xiaoxiao, suspecting a trick, wanted to tie him to a tree and verify his identity at the rally point. However, Yue Kong's desperate pleas, including mentioning his newborn daughter and the dangers of the forest, made them hesitate, fearing they would be responsible if anything happened to him.

As they deliberated, sudden disturbances in their surroundings forced them to take cover. Yan Poyue eventually told Yue Kong to rest and head west at dawn to find their campsite. Guo Xiaoxiao, however, remained unconvinced and pulled him back, insisting he couldn't leave. Unable to reach a consensus, they decided to vote. Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Zhou Zi Jian voted to let him go, leaving Guo Xiaoxiao as the sole dissenter.

Though she reluctantly allowed Yue Kong to leave, a sense of unease lingered, a feeling Yan Poyue shared, acknowledging they could only leave it to fate. Meanwhile, a separate confrontation unfolded between Bai Long and Cao Ben. Bai Long harbored deep resentment towards Cao Ben over the incident involving Xiang Fei, believing Cao Ben's actions had led to Xiang Fei's demise. Cao Ben, however, used Bai Long's hatred as a strategic weakness, ultimately capturing him.

Yan Poyue’s group then encountered a sniper, whose presence was subtly indicated by almost inaudible shots and night-vision goggles. Recognizing the need for a swift counter, Yan Poyue began to "digitize" the terrain, assigning numerical values to features like hills, forests, and their altitudes and gradients, explaining how this method allowed for rapid identification of potential sniper positions without a map.

Xiao Yun Jie and Zhou Zi Jian, bewildered by this technical explanation, relied on Guo Xiaoxiao to interpret, who quickly translated Yan Poyue's numerical data into practical hiding spots like the right side of a bush or the left of a swamp.

Realizing there were likely multiple snipers, Guo Xiaoxiao devised a plan: each of them would target one of the three suspected positions, while she would provide mobile fire, with their primary objective being to breach the area rather than eliminate every enemy. Their coordinated efforts allowed them to successfully pass through the sniper-infested zone, surprising even Leng Jing, who reported to Qin Feng that the four had bypassed her area and were proceeding to Zone B.

The following day, after a brief respite where Yan Poyue playfully tricked Xiao Yun Jie with a fake water bottle, their journey took a dangerous turn when Zhou Zi Jian accidentally fell into a trap, leading to the capture of all four. Bai Long was also among the captured. They were then subjected to a brutal "captive torture training" exercise.

Yan Poyue was bound and placed in the middle of a road, where a car sped directly towards him, stopping mere inches from his face, terrifying Xiao Yun Jie and Guo Xiaoxiao. Observing these harsh methods, Leng Jing expressed concern to Qin Feng about the psychological trauma such extreme training might inflict, particularly on the female soldiers.

However, Qin Feng remained unyielding, asserting that the battlefield offered only life or death, and that pushing them to their limits was necessary to unlock their full potential against a brutal and merciless enemy. The captors, feasting on roasted lamb skewers, taunted the hungry prisoners, who were then inverted and submerged in water, repeatedly questioned for the coordinates of their training base.

Under this intense physical and psychological duress, Zhou Zi Jian eventually broke, offering to reveal the coordinates and was promptly pulled from the water. That night, as the captors relaxed their guard, Xiao Yun Jie feigned unconsciousness, creating an opportunity for Yan Poyue to free himself. He then quickly subdued their captors, binding them in the water to give them a taste of their own methods.

The five escapees—Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Guo Xiaoxiao, Bai Long, and Zhou Zi Jian—fled into the night. After running for some time, they collectively decided to return. Despite the profound humiliation they had endured, they were determined to confront their tormentors before returning to the army. Bai Long, nodding in agreement, pledged to support them. With renewed resolve, they marched back, shouting defiance.

The leader of their captors then removed his mask, revealing himself to be Yue Kong, the very "exploration team member" they had chosen to release earlier. As the five charged forward, a chaotic struggle ensued. Bai Long, seizing a knife, dramatically threatened to take his own life, forcing Lv Tu and Cao Ben to intervene. However, the group refused to back down, demanding that Yue Kong engage in a one-on-one fight with Yan Poyue as a condition for their surrender.

Episode 22 Recap

Yan Poyue, Xiao Yunjie, Guo Xiaoxiao, Zhou Zijian, and Bai Long returned to the instructors. To avenge the humiliation they had just endured, Yan Poyue challenged Yue Kong to a one-on-one fight. During the intense match, Yue Kong taunted Yan Poyue, reminding him of his inexperience. Despite Yan Poyue struggling initially, he managed to turn the tide and win. Xiao Yunjie cheered, celebrating Yan Poyue's victory.

Qin Feng watched with a satisfied smile, then congratulated all five for passing the most brutal, cruel, and inhumane torture training. He stressed that this experience would stay with them forever and reminded them that loyalty is the baseline of every military operation, which they must defend with their lives in any predicament. Afterward, they were taken to the infirmary.

The doctor explained that the torture training is conducted annually, thoroughly tested, and primarily designed to inflict psychological, not significant physical, harm. Hearing this, Xiao Yunjie remarked that he felt much better. Leng Jing visited Guo Xiaoxiao in the infirmary, reminding her that female soldiers must work harder and endure more hardships than men to secure their place in the Cheetah Special Forces, especially in border area combat.

Guo Xiaoxiao confidently affirmed she was not afraid and believed she could overcome any obstacle, stating that while men are strong, women possess both strength and delicacy. Leng Jing then noticed Guo Xiaoxiao knitting something, which Guo Xiaoxiao dismissed as merely a pastime. Meanwhile, Zhou Zijian informed Yan Poyue that he was leaving the unit. He confessed that he had considered leaving when Gao Zhun was eliminated but stayed to prove his worth.

However, the torture training made him realize that in the brutal world of special operations, he would likely be a liability to his teammates, leading to his disillusionment. He expressed a desire to simply make good friends for future support and believed that someone more suitable, like Yan Poyue, should become a special forces soldier. Yan Poyue put a hand on his shoulder, acknowledging their past differences as insignificant now.

Zhou Zijian admitted he envied Yan Poyue's talent, luck, and unstoppable drive, predicting he would become the strongest soldier. He also cautioned Yan Poyue that, no matter how strong, he would still only be a soldier. Yan Poyue replied that he just wanted to be a soldier and manage himself. Zhou Zijian then said goodbye, telling Yan Poyue that he would face many more rivals in the future.

In another part of the world, Kun Sheng, accompanied by Xing Tian and Miya, met with Boss Chuan. After some initial pleasantries, Kun Sheng confronted Boss Chuan, accusing him of encroaching on his business in the mainland. Boss Chuan tried to defuse the situation, claiming there was no conflict as he operated around the border while Kun Sheng sold to the mainland. However, Kun Sheng revealed his true intention to seize Boss Chuan’s operation.

Xing Tian then presented the man responsible for developing a new type of meth. Kun Sheng declared the man useless, then ruthlessly killed him and Boss Chuan’s men. Miya, witnessing such violence for the first time, was visibly terrified. Xing Tian, seemingly annoyed by her reaction, handed her a gun and ordered her to "tie up the loose ends" by killing the remaining young girls.

Yan Poyue, Xiao Yunjie, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Bai Long officially became members of the Cheetah Commando. During the induction ceremony, Qin Feng congratulated them, emphasizing that as special forces, they must be brave, but their primary goal on the battlefield is to complete missions and return alive, not self-sacrifice. He explained that years of training make them strong, but true experience and veteran status are earned through surviving real battles.

He urged them to transform their ferocity into cunning and ruthlessness, stating that while they can fight alone for thousands of miles, together they are undefeatable. He envisioned them bringing honor and military merits home, calling them the "true Cheetah" and the kind of soldiers he desired. The new members then took a solemn pledge, declaring themselves the most elite unit of the armed forces, with the badges on their chests representing their honor.

A reflective narration highlighted their silent dedication to honing lethal skills in remote mountains, emphasizing that their existence deters conflict, ensuring peace and supporting the nation's backbone. Despite their recent confrontation, Yue Kong began teaching the new members, starting by addressing his rivalry with Yan Poyue. Yan Poyue expressed lingering pain from their previous "life-and-death struggle," to which Yue Kong retorted that he hadn't given his all and challenged Yan Poyue to a rematch if he desired.

However, he first demanded that Yan Poyue become an "intelligent commander" and abandon his "gentleness" to avoid getting his team killed. Yue Kong then posed a critical question to the new recruits, asking how they would handle encountering suspicious individuals while on a mission in enemy territory. He then delved into the disastrous Operation Red Wings of the Navy SEALs in June 2005, which he revealed was the inspiration for their own recent retreat mission.

He recounted how a four-man SEAL squad, tasked with reconnaissance, encountered three shepherds and chose to release them. This act of "gentleness" led to their location being compromised, resulting in their encirclement by over 150 terrorists and the loss of nineteen SEALs. Several members offered their insights. A member emphasized the necessity of meticulous planning, accounting for all variables like weather and potential emergencies, and conducting thorough simulations.

Guo Xiaoxiao highlighted the critical importance of reliable communication in mountain warfare, stressing the need for appropriate equipment to maintain smooth contact. An older member spoke about the dire consequences of lagging combat support, criticizing the initial rescue attempt for its lack of reconnaissance and air cover, and underscoring the often-neglected importance of well-planned retreat operations.

Qin Feng, in turn, stressed the "deciding factor of being human," attributing Red Wings' failure to a flawed plan, poor understanding of the enemy, and the soldiers' overconfidence. Yan Poyue then asked Qin Feng about the perceived strength gap between the Cheetah Commando and the Navy SEALs, and without a direct comparison, how they define their targets.

Qin Feng stated that only a direct confrontation could truly determine who was stronger, but reminded them they lived in a peaceful nation, though global situations could change, bringing sudden conflicts. Bai Long provided the definitive answer, declaring, "Our strongest rivals are always the past us!" Since Bai Long's return, Cao Ben's training performance has suffered significantly, with his scores nearly at the bottom among the cadres.

Lv Tu expressed his concern, noting that Cao Ben seemed completely distracted by Bai Long, who, in turn, appeared to constantly provoke him. Cao Ben, however, insisted that Bai Long was not the problem, but rather his own weariness. Lv Tu, frustrated by Cao Ben’s evasiveness, compared his state to a "tree with a hole," trapped between the pain of revealing the wound and the sorrow of concealing it, feeling helpless to intervene.

Curious about Bai Long’s extraordinary skill, Yan Poyue asked him how he achieved his current level, stating he needed an answer. Bai Long advised him to "train as if every day is your last," but warned that seeking a definitive answer would lead to "a tragedy." He cryptically added that Cao Ben was not the "answer" but the "cause" of something profound.

Troubled by the unresolved conflict between Bai Long and Cao Ben, Qin Feng sought out Cao Ben for a heart-to-heart talk, recalling the exact duration of their acquaintance. Qin Feng observed that Cao Ben, once a simple person, had become complicated, expressing a wish for him to find genuine joy rather than a smile of resignation. He then confronted Cao Ben about his recent training report, which showed excellent performance in most areas but suspicious "careless" mistakes at critical junctures.

Qin Feng presented video evidence, revealing that Cao Ben's mistakes were made "without any hesitations" and that he suspected they were intentional, contrasting this with Cao Ben’s meticulousness in a previous real operation. Qin Feng admitted his fear of losing Cao Ben now that Bai Long was back, asserting that it wasn't worth it. Cao Ben maintained that his struggles had nothing to do with Bai Long, simply reiterating that he was "tired."

Qin Feng offered him a vacation, but Cao Ben mused that perhaps Qin Feng and others had been "too nice" to him, suggesting that Bai Long’s harsh approach might be "the right thing to do." Qin Feng, understanding Cao Ben's complex emotions, concluded that no one could truly comprehend his perspective and left him to rest.

Lv Tu announced the official formation of a new squad: five new members, including Yan Poyue, Xiao Yunjie, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Bai Long, were designated as the core of the Cheetah Commando's First Corps, Ninth Combat Squad. To complete the standard eight-person squad, Lv Tu introduced three veteran members: Ma Liang, a skilled demolition expert; Mu Qing, a high-achieving medical master; and Yue Kong, as the unit's most senior sniper.

The squad positions were then assigned: Bai Long as the Squad Leader, Yue Kong as the Vice Squad Leader and primary sniper, and Guo Xiaoxiao as the sniper spotter, tasked with cooperating with Yue Kong. Guo Xiaoxiao's discomfort with this role was evident, but she quickly affirmed her compliance when Lv Tu pressed her, sternly reminding her that in a combat unit, personal emotions could lead to unimaginable consequences, and all positions were assigned based on rigorous evaluation.

Xiao Yunjie was appointed as the machine gunner, and Yan Poyue as a shock troop. An additional member, Xu Yang, was assigned to reconnaissance and communication. Lv Tu reiterated the importance of professional instructors for new members and mandatory tactical drills for all squad members to rapidly enhance their teamwork and combat strength. During a subsequent urban counter-terrorism training exercise, Yan Poyue acted on his own initiative.

Lv Tu sharply reprimanded him, stating that his unauthorized action resulted in the simulated deaths of half his teammates. Yan Poyue defended his actions, arguing that an eight-man squad lacked flexibility, making their advance too slow and compromising the effectiveness of a raid. He believed that overcautiousness only hindered their speed.

Episode 23 Recap

During an urban anti-terror training exercise, Yan Poyue independently rushed forward to eliminate the targets. He reported that an eight-man squad was not agile enough and their advance was too slow, preventing an effective raid. He believed that being overly cautious would only hinder their speed and questioned if real enemies would show them mercy.

Lv Tu, angered by Yan Poyue's unauthorized action, reminded him that their goal was to complete the mission and return alive with their teammates, not simply to kill more people. Yan Poyue, still unconvinced, suggested they try his method for comparison. Lv Tu, however, refused and instead told them to remember the battle plan and repeat the training. During the second attempt, Yan Poyue once again used his own independent approach.

An exasperated Lv Tu declared the mission a failure, with everyone except Yan Poyue considered "dead." This sparked a heated argument among the team, with Yue Kong and Bai Long criticizing Yan Poyue for his arrogance and disregard for his teammates. Qin Feng, hearing the commotion, intervened. Although he suspected Yan Poyue was showing off, Bai Long and Lv Tu covered for him, claiming they were merely discussing battle tactics.

Later, Qin Feng invited Bai Long to his office for a private conversation, expressing his genuine happiness at Bai Long's return to Cheetah. Qin Feng observed that Bai Long was still unable to let go of the past incident involving Xiang Fei's sacrifice. Bai Long confirmed this, stating that he believed someone should be held accountable, and Xiang Fei should not have died.

Qin Feng then posed a question, asking if Bai Long would have felt the same grief if Cao Ben had died instead of Xiang Fei. Qin Feng explained that he, Lv Tu, and Leng Jing had learned to internalize their pain, believing Bai Long had too, until Bai Long openly challenged Cao Ben. This made Qin Feng realize that Bai Long still sought concrete answers. Qin Feng then asked Bai Long why he had a low opinion of Yan Poyue.

Bai Long bluntly called Yan Poyue selfish, a sentiment Qin Feng agreed with, describing it as severe individual heroism. Despite this, Qin Feng had intentionally kept Yan Poyue and placed him in Bai Long's team. Qin Feng explained that they represented two extremes of human nature – Bai Long's emphasis on camaraderie and teamwork versus Yan Poyue's individualism. He hoped that by living and training together, they could influence each other, adapt, and overcome their blind spots.

Bai Long, however, insisted that Yan Poyue should be the one to adapt. Qin Feng, as the captain, then assigned Bai Long two special missions: first, to actively engage with Yan Poyue during future training to improve their synergy; and second, to find Cao Ben after training that evening for a serious talk, explicitly forbidding any physical confrontation. During a meal, Yan Poyue found himself targeted by older soldiers.

Guo Xiaoxiao was about to intervene but was stopped by Yue Kong. These veterans intended to teach Yan Poyue a lesson, but in his eyes, they were not worthy. Xiao Yun Jie earnestly urged Yan Poyue to curb his temper and be more cooperative, but Yan Poyue refused to listen, adamant about his own approach. He argued that the current tactics were flawed, based on an overly rational view of the enemy, while real adversaries were desperate and irrational.

He believed the only way to succeed was to swiftly eliminate the enemy leader. Xiao Yun Jie pointed out that everyone else, like Guo Xiaoxiao and Yue Kong, also had their own ideas but chose to remain silent. However, Yan Poyue insisted he had his own methods and would not try to curry favor with the old soldiers just to fit in. Later that night, Bai Long found Cao Ben at the shooting range.

Cao Ben, who had also been deeply affected by Xiang Fei's sacrifice, recognized that Qin Feng had sent Bai Long to talk. He expressed his belief that he and Bai Long had nothing left to say to each other. Bai Long questioned Cao Ben's prolonged aiming without firing, implying Cao Ben was avoiding confrontation. Cao Ben acknowledged the depth of their shared pain and the constant reminder Bai Long's presence served.

He confessed that for three years, everyone had hidden their true feelings – sympathy, pity, and apprehension – but Bai Long's appearance had constantly reminded him that he was not the one who should have survived. Cao Ben applied to join Bai Long's Team Nine, explaining that he needed to face certain things himself and that Bai Long acted like an X-ray machine, forcing him to confront his inner demons.

Qin Feng acknowledged the importance of understanding, not pity, in their unit, and approved Cao Ben's request, believing extreme environments would foster the necessary understanding between them. The next day, during one-on-one combat training, Yan Poyue, ever the provocateur, challenged Yue Kong. He even suggested a bet: the loser would drink the winner's foot-washing water.

Just as they were about to begin, Bai Long suddenly pushed Yue Kong aside, declaring he would fight Yan Poyue to cure him of his arrogance. Bai Long's attacks became increasingly vicious, making Xiao Yun Jie visibly anxious. Lv Tu observed, noting that such intensity was "training for actual combat." The fight ended in a draw, with Lv Tu remarking that it had been a long time since anyone could match Bai Long.

After the fight, Yan Poyue again questioned the team's battle plan, calling it problematic. Lv Tu explained that the Cheetah Special Forces' tactics were forged through years of real combat experience and countless lessons. He emphasized that abandoning an injured comrade, even to survive, would only lead to a life of greater pain, directing his gaze towards Cao Ben. Based on her observations during training, Guo Xiaoxiao felt Yue Kong's skill was not superior to her own.

She approached Qin Feng, challenging why she was assigned as an observer while Yue Kong was the sniper. Qin Feng, dismissing her complaint about going over her direct superior's head, decided to arrange a sniper competition for them the following day to determine who was qualified to be the sniper. Leng Jing expressed concern, fearing that such a competition might damage Guo Xiaoxiao's confidence as a female soldier.

However, Qin Feng believed that as "Lone Wolf," Guo Xiaoxiao, with her high aspirations, would only truly cooperate with Yue Kong if she was genuinely convinced of his superiority through a direct confrontation. Yan Poyue, overhearing this, cautioned Guo Xiaoxiao that Qin Feng's ready agreement meant the situation was more complex than it seemed, hinting that Yue Kong had yet to reveal his true capabilities.

The next day's sniper competition involved multiple stages: an initial shot at 350 meters, a weighted run to 700 meters for a second shot, moving targets at 900 meters, and a final shot at the endpoint. As the competition progressed, Yue Kong's exceptional skills became evident. During the final stage, a critical moment arose when Leng Jing stepped in front of the swaying target. Yue Kong, with unwavering confidence, successfully hit the target.

Guo Xiaoxiao, on the other hand, hesitated, her face covered in sweat, and ultimately could not fire, demonstrating a lack of confidence in her own aim. After the match, Guo Xiaoxiao claimed that Yue Kong wouldn't have won if Leng Jing hadn't stood in front of the target. Yue Kong disagreed, explaining that her shooting excelled in defense, while his excelled in offense. He offered to be her observer if she could master both offensive and defensive shooting.

Meanwhile, in the criminal underworld, all northern routes into China were sealed, prompting Kun Sheng to avoid further confrontation with Chinese military police. This decision, however, greatly displeased Xing Tian, who saw it as weakness. During their discussion, the northern blockade and Kun Sheng's reluctance to challenge Chinese authorities were confirmed.

Kun Sheng, recalling how his past ambition to expand his forces and flood China with drugs led to the near-collapse of Red Scorpion, warned Xing Tian against repeating his mistakes. During their discussion, Kun Sheng pulled out a gun and shot a Chinese associate standing next to Xing Tian, not Xing Tian himself, as a chilling warning.

Taking advantage of the situation, Xing Tian successfully swayed another one of Kun Sheng's men, who had been forced to serve Kun Sheng due to his family being held captive, to his side. The man chose to follow Xing Tian when offered a new path.

Episode 24 Recap

During a tactical training session, Yan Poyue once again challenged the established methods, proposing that the team could achieve the objective in three minutes instead of the allotted five minutes and fifteen seconds. However, Lv Tu firmly disagreed, emphasizing that while speed might be gained, it could lead to casualties, which goes against the principles of a well-trained special forces unit that aims for minimal sacrifice and maximum victory.

When Yan Poyue pressed about critical battlefield choices, Lv Tu clarified that such decisions are a commander's responsibility, and combatants must obey orders without question. Bai Long supported Lv Tu, explaining that in emergencies, the team must maintain defensive positions and await further instructions from superiors. Lv Tu reiterated that Cheetah would not adopt unproven tactics. Yan Poyue persisted, requesting to simulate an attack at his own pace, promising to drop the matter if it didn't significantly improve performance.

Lv Tu, however, stressed that training, while simulating real combat, is not the same as actual warfare, and such a fast advance could lead to the loss of all teammates, which is not the ethos of their special forces. Suddenly, Lv Tu announced a change in plans: the day's teamwork training was suspended, and Captain Qin Feng had introduced a new "experimental project."

The team was led to an unfamiliar location where Cao Ben was waiting, joining Team Nine as a regular member, after Ma Liang was reassigned to maintain the team's strength at eight members. Qin Feng instructed them to live there for ten days, with basic food and hot showers provided, but gave no specific training agenda, leaving them to "interpret it however they want."

When Yue Kong raised concerns about Guo Xiaoxiao's presence as a female soldier among them for ten days, Qin Feng pointed out that Guo Xiaoxiao herself never regarded herself as "just a female soldier." After Qin Feng locked them in and left, Lv Tu remained puzzled about the true purpose of this new exercise, wondering if it was just about staying there and doing nothing. Inside, the team members were initially confused and relaxed, enjoying the amenities.

Yet, Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao remained silent and unengaged. Qin Feng, observing them via surveillance, revealed to Lv Tu that the goal was to foster mutual understanding and trust among these "lone wolves," believing that ten days of confinement would eventually make them open up and bond. Three days passed, but Yan Poyue and Guo Xiaoxiao still hadn't integrated. When others tried to talk to Yan Poyue about his past, he dismissed it, saying he had forgotten everything.

Similarly, Guo Xiaoxiao offered a blunt "There is nothing worth smiling for" when asked why she never smiled. However, Xiao Yunjie recalled seeing her smile only when she held a gun. Encouraged by the team, Guo Xiaoxiao finally began to share her story. She revealed that she first held a gun at the age of seven.

Her father, an ex-military man who became a taciturn forest ranger after retirement because he struggled to interact with people, taught her how to shoot. Her mother, unable to bear the isolation, left for the south and never returned. Growing up, Guo Xiaoxiao was also quiet, and her only friend was a dog named Batulu, who left her when she was seventeen, making her even more withdrawn. Her father believed the military was the only place suitable for her.

At eighteen, she enlisted and became a signaller at a communication headquarters. Her exceptional shooting skills were discovered during a communication support mission at an associate unit's training. While her unit's team struggled with moving targets, Guo Xiaoxiao, then a signaller from the communication squad, stepped forward and impressed everyone by flawlessly hitting three moving targets. This led to her selection for the women's special forces and eventually, she became a sniper.

Her assigned observer was a cheerful girl named Leng Bing, whose personality was the opposite of her "cold" name. Leng Bing, who nicknamed herself "Akita" because her smile resembled an Akita dog, affectionately called Guo Xiaoxiao "Wolf" due to her intense gaze, suggesting they become a "team of dog and wolf." Leng Bing was a warm and encouraging friend.

She once gave Guo Xiaoxiao a birthday gift in advance, urging her not to suppress her feelings, sharing how her own father died young from cancer due to keeping everything inside. Recalling Leng Bing, Guo Xiaoxiao briefly smiled, a rare sight for her teammates. She continued, recounting a perilous mission on the border where a mysterious sniper had seriously wounded four patrol soldiers within a month. Their troops were divided into teams to ambush and draw out the enemy.

During that mission, Leng Bing was shot, and Guo Xiaoxiao's gun was knocked away. Facing an enemy sniper, neither could move. Guo Xiaoxiao attempted to retrieve her gun with a rope, but it was severed by enemy fire. Leng Bing, closer to the weapon, instructed Guo Xiaoxiao to create smoke cover so she could reach it. However, an enemy grenade exploded, injuring Guo Xiaoxiao's leg.

Leng Bing, severely wounded and bleeding profusely, bravely told Guo Xiaoxiao to stay put, as the enemy was still a threat. Risking her life, Leng Bing observed the enemy's position at "1 o'clock, 800 meters, with a wind speed of 6." With this crucial information, Guo Xiaoxiao successfully killed the enemy sniper. Just before succumbing to her injuries, Leng Bing urged Guo Xiaoxiao to "talk more" and "not keep everything inside."

After this heroic but tragic incident, Guo Xiaoxiao and Leng Bing were awarded for their bravery, with Leng Bing posthumously receiving a first-class merit and Guo Xiaoxiao a second-class merit. Guo Xiaoxiao, heartbroken, refused a new observer, applying to operate alone under the codename "Lone Wolf," believing it was safer for her. She later joined the Cheetah unit after being personally selected by Captain Leng Jing.

Guo Xiaoxiao admitted that while she was willing to fight, bleed, and even sacrifice for her teammates, she no longer wanted to make friends. Losing Batulu and Leng Bing, who was Leng Jing's cousin, had caused her pain worse than death. Leng Jing confirmed that Leng Bing, who frequently praised Guo Xiaoxiao's genius over the phone, was the one who recommended her.

Qin Feng then explained that this was precisely why he had locked them up together: to force them to open up, understand, and trust each other, as emotions are inherent to humans, and he aimed to "squeeze out their feelings" over these ten days. The others encouraged Guo Xiaoxiao to move forward, to live not just for herself but also to carry Leng Bing's spirit with her.

Following this, Cao Ben began to share his own story, mentioning that he and Bai Long had a mutual leader named Xiang Fei. Hearing that name, Bai Long immediately became agitated and told Cao Ben to be quiet. Cao Ben then explained that Xiang Fei had sacrificed his life to save him, feeling he was unworthy to speak further about him, and suggested the others ask Bai Long instead.

Episode 25 Recap

The team finally understood why Qin Feng had confined them, and it was then that Bai Long began to speak. He recounted that his father died when he was six, having worked away for many years, leaving Bai Long with no memory of his face, only an urn. Later, his mother told him his father was a hero who sacrificed his life to save a drowning passerby.

In their village, the Bai family was prominent, with his second uncle serving as the village chief. However, this brought them no advantage. After his father’s death, his relatives constantly pushed his mother to remarry and leave, hoping to claim their land. While his mother (Zhao Qiaoling) appeared gentle, she possessed an unyielding spirit. His second aunt even tried to arrange a marriage with a lazy man named Wang Liu from a neighboring village, but his mother refused.

His second aunt and uncle also attempted to adopt Bai Long, but his mother saw through their intentions to seize their land. Despite their obvious hardship, their family was excluded from the special poverty aid list. When his mother confronted his second uncle at the village committee, he feigned difficulty, claiming a complex formula for eligibility, and suggested they give up part of their land to qualify.

His mother, however, firmly instructed Bai Long to protect their house and land, as it was his father’s (Yong Qiang's) sole legacy. She expressed a desire to be buried beside his father when her time came. Bai Long promised her he would build a beautiful three-story house where she could live comfortably, keeping his second uncle and aunt out. His mother’s only wish was for him to grow tall and strong, like his father, and never be bullied.

One day after school, unable to bear the villagers' insults towards his mother, who was called names because his father was dead, Bai Long fought back, even using a beer bottle. His mother, distraught and angry, disciplined him severely. Yet, all Bai Long wanted was to protect her. He began training, eating, and running relentlessly, determined to grow strong. Feeling there was no longer a place for them in the village, he decided to enlist in the army.

On the day he joined, he met his squad leader, Xiang Fei, whom he instantly recognized as a true hero. Though military training was arduous, it was insignificant compared to the humiliation he suffered back home. Under Xiang Fei’s leadership, their squad was unmatched. Xiang Fei was later promoted to Platoon Leader. Bai Long himself excelled since joining Cheetah, earning a Second-Class Merit in an anti-terrorism operation even after being severely wounded.

He always attributed his achievements to Xiang Fei, believing he would be nothing without him. One night, Bai Long received a phone call from his mother, distraught that his second uncle, now the village director, was collaborating with the demolition office to forcibly tear down their home. Bai Long insisted on returning immediately, but Xiang Fei cautioned against desertion and offered to submit a report to their superiors for an official leave.

Xiang Fei, along with Cao Ben, accompanied Bai Long back to the village. Upon arrival, they found his house already a demolition site, his mother sitting motionless amidst the rubble, clutching his father’s portrait. His second uncle, feigning friendliness, claimed she had signed the demolition agreement and received compensation, which she vehemently denied. Xiang Fei questioned the paltry 50,000 yuan offered, asserting that it was insufficient.

His second uncle tried to justify it by claiming the house belonged to his grandfather and the compensation should be split into three shares, but Bai Long’s mother stated it was explicitly left to her husband, Yong Qiang. When Bai Zhu, his cousin, aggressively challenged them, Xiang Fei, declaring Bai Long his soldier, demonstrated "the Chinese military’s bloodthirst." A scuffle ensued, with the villagers supporting the military personnel.

The incident prompted an investigation by the township, which revealed his mother’s signature on the demolition agreement was forged. Several villagers testified that Bai Long's grandfather had indeed bequeathed the house solely to his father. As a result, his second uncle was dismissed from his post, and Bai Zhu was temporarily detained. The village government allocated a new plot of land to his mother for rebuilding and provided additional compensation, bringing a measure of justice.

However, both Xiang Fei and Cao Ben received disciplinary action due to the altercation. Xiang Fei, despite the penalty, proudly declared it was "worth it." Bai Long, feeling responsible and unable to leave his mother's worsening health and vulnerability, decided to discharge from the military. He intended to rebuild their house, ensure his mother received medical care, and then re-enlist, hoping the Cheetah Special Forces would accept him back.

Xiang Fei, though deeply reluctant, respected Bai Long's decision, promising they would wait for his return. Back in the village, Bai Long's mother's health rapidly deteriorated. He desperately rushed the construction of their three-story dream house, but tragically, she passed away on the very night it was completed. Bai Long cried all night, believing he had endured the greatest pain of his life.

But then, he received another devastating call: Xiang Fei was gone, killed by a landmine while saving Cao Ben during Operation Cobra. Overwhelmed with grief and anger, Bai Long lashed out at Cao Ben, accusing him of carelessness for stepping on the landmine and letting others save him.

Cao Ben, his own life saved by Xiang Fei, bore the accusation silently, stating that Xiang Fei’s sacrifice was the deepest scar for all "old Cheetahs," and he would live to fulfill Xiang Fei's unfinished mission. Bai Long later erected a tomb for Xiang Fei beside his parents' graves, uniting his closest loved ones in one place. In the somber silence that followed, Yan Poyue was the first to applaud, expressing his honor to be part of Bai Long's team.

Bai Long rose, vowing that he, like Xiang Fei, would protect any member of Squad Nine who faced danger. Qin Feng, observing this, felt a sense of relief, hoping they would forge an unbreakable bond as comrades. As the others began eating, Guo Xiaoxiao distributed oranges. Xiao Yun Jie, however, reacted with sudden agitation, refusing to eat them, declaring he would rather starve. He then revealed that oranges were the last meal he shared with his family.

He recounted a memory of being in the car with his parents, bickering for a game console while eating oranges his mother had given him, right before a car accident made him an orphan. His neighbor, Granny Li, brought his house deed and bankbook to his aunt's house. His aunt and uncle, who preferred a quiet life, made him feel unwelcome.

One day, while walking in the neighborhood, he accidentally stepped on an orange belonging to Yan Poyue, who was training. This led to their first fight, which resulted in Yan Poyue being punished with a 5,000-meter weighted run. The two later became classmates and deskmates. After their first class, they again got into a fight, accidentally injuring Xia Li, the class's study committee member. Xia Li urged Yan Poyue to participate in the upcoming Sports Day.

Yan Poyue initially refused but, upon seeing Xiao Yun Jie sign up for the 800-meter race, decided to join the same event, defiantly challenging him to a showdown on the track.

Episode 26 Recap

During the track competition, Yan Poyue sprained his ankle. Despite being in pain, he dismissed help. Xiao Yun Jie, who had won the race, came over, prompting Yan Poyue to tell him to stop showing off. Xia Li, frustrated by their constant bickering, intervened, suggesting they compete academically, asserting that boys with good grades are the most handsome.

Inspired by her words, Xiao Yun Jie challenged Yan Poyue to compete on grades in the next exam, with the loser calling the winner "grandpa." Yan Poyue accepted. After the exam, Xiao Yun Jie confidently called Yan Poyue "grandson," but Yan Poyue revealed he deliberately drew a picture on his test paper, incurring a ten-point deduction, yet still outscored Xiao Yun Jie. Someone mentioned Yan Poyue had drawn a portrait of their language teacher.

Yan Poyue, now the "grandpa," playfully assigned his cleaning duty to Xiao Yun Jie. Xiao Yun Jie tried to claim a previous "grandpa" bet from an earlier semester, but Yan Poyue corrected him. The group then reminisced about their notoriously "thick-skinned" antics, as their teacher Ms. Jiao often described them, and their classmate Sun Yao Peng once compared them to "urinal pots" because only their mouths were good.

The conversation shifted to Xia Li, with curious teammates asking if she was pretty. Xiao Yun Jie described her as having long hair, glasses, fair skin, and "squinty eyes" when she smiled, insisting she was attractive. Yan Poyue then revealed that Xiao Yun Jie "really liked her back then" and had even fought for her.

Xiao Yun Jie, flustered, denied it and tried to turn the accusation back on Yan Poyue, but everyone pressed him to tell the story of the fight, which he reluctantly agreed to do. Recognizing the class's overall poor academic performance, Xia Li, the study committee member, gave Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie her personal study notes, urging them to stop their unproductive competitions and aim for healthy rivalry.

Xiao Yun Jie promised to study hard, even if it meant calling Yan Poyue "grandpa" for another six months, while Yan Poyue left. Xiao Yun Jie then shyly asked Xia Li to come watch his basketball game after school, inviting her to bring friends along. Meanwhile, Xiao Yun Jie's poor grades and constant trouble-making led his uncle to discuss pulling him out of school with the teacher, arguing that an early career might be better.

Xiao Yun Jie, however, burst into the room, declaring his desire to stay in school and prove himself by achieving good grades in the final exams. His uncle, frustrated by his nephew's past behavior, warned him that this was his last chance and made him swear to stop causing trouble, or he would be withdrawn. Xiao Yun Jie swore.

During this period, Yan Poyue's mother often heard arguments from Xiao Yun Jie's aunt and uncle next door, who, fueled by "feudal superstition," blamed Xiao Yun Jie for their inability to have children, believing he occupied the "child's place." Yan Poyue's father asked about his relationship with Xiao Yun Jie, to which Yan Poyue replied they were good.

The next day, in a rare display of discipline, both boys arrived at school early and studied without their usual bickering, surprising their classmates. That day, Xia Li was uncharacteristically late and later, at lunch, was seen serving food to the school bully, Chen Hui. Chen Hui had stolen her diary and was publicly humiliating her with the secret that she "liked someone."

Xiao Yun Jie, enraged, was about to physically intervene, but Yan Poyue stopped him, reminding him of his solemn oath to his uncle. Yan Poyue also urged Xia Li to come over. Despite Xiao Yun Jie's protests that Xia Li was his best friend, Chen Hui continued to torment her, forcing her to wipe his shoe. That evening, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie sought revenge. They ambushed Chen Hui, placed a trash can over his head, and beat him.

This incident marked a significant shift in their relationship. Although Chen Hui couldn't identify his attackers, he found a wrist guard specific to the school's sports team. The teacher, Mr. Cui, convened the sports team, emphasizing the severity of the "appalling event" and threatening severe penalties or expulsion if the perpetrators didn't confess. Yan Poyue stepped forward, claiming sole responsibility, stating his "punches and kicks were fast enough for one person to feel like two."

When Chen Hui insisted there were two attackers, Yan Poyue provocatively offered to demonstrate again. The teacher intervened, dismissing Chen Hui's aunt's accusations and noting that Yan Poyue wouldn't have targeted Chen Hui without reason. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie were disciplined. That night, Yan Poyue's mother, speaking on the phone, expressed frustration that he had been caught, reminding him of his scout training and the importance of leaving no evidence.

Yan Poyue received a demerit and was punished by his father with trail running. When Xiao Yun Jie asked about his future, Yan Poyue declared his desire to join the army. Xiao Yun Jie immediately vowed to join with him, stating he would follow wherever Yan Poyue went. Xiao Yun Jie concluded his story by saying he attended a sports school in the northeast before they enlisted together.

When pressed for an update on Xia Li, he simply stated she went abroad after graduation and they lost contact. When asked who liked Xia Li, Yan Poyue again claimed she was "Xiao's dream girl," a notion Xiao Yun Jie shyly denied. Qin Feng, having listened to their stories, was pleased, noting that mutual understanding strengthens comradeship.

Someone also observed that after four days, none of the male soldiers perceived Guo Xiaoxiao as a "female soldier," highlighting her seamless integration into the team. Later that night, Xiao Yun Jie, unable to sleep, started a playful "Trumpet Radio Station" broadcast. When others asked him to talk more about Xia Li, he feigned sleep. The storytelling continued, and Yue Kong, moved by Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie's accounts, recalled his own two childhood friends.

When urged to share a "love story," Yue Kong hesitated, unsure if a particular incident qualified. He described growing up with Wang Fan He and Dai Jin in the armed police family quarters, constantly getting into mischief. One day, his father, who was home briefly before a midnight assignment, brought his service pistol.

Despite his mother's attempts to stop his father from scolding Yue Kong for past gun-related incidents, his father instructed her to prevent Yue Kong from touching the weapon, emphasizing the danger. After his father fell asleep, Yue Kong, fascinated by the Type-92 semi-automatic pistol, which he knew was reserved for high-ranking officers and lauded for its accuracy and low recoil, secretly took it to show his friends.

He assured them the safety was on, even demonstrating by pulling the trigger without it firing. They then played a game of "terrorists and commander." In the heat of the game, Yue Kong urged Dai Jin, who was playing medic, to shoot, leading to an accidental discharge that injured Yue Kong's arm. Yue Kong's mother, worried about the repercussions for his father, who had been summoned by his superior due to the gun incident, unfairly blamed Wang Fan He.

Yue Kong, however, admitted to his mother that he had given Wang Fan He the gun and told him to pull the trigger (a cover-up to protect Dai Jin). Wang Fan He's parents arrived to apologize, with his father forcing Wang Fan He to kneel. Yue Kong's mother reassured them it was only a flesh wound.

Later, Yue Kong explained to Wang Fan He that they couldn't tell their parents that Dai Jin had fired the shot, fearing her mother, a nurse, would lose her job. Wang Fan He, solely wanting to prevent Dai Jin from crying, took the blame.

Yue Kong acknowledged Wang Fan He's quick thinking and dismissed the teasing from others about being wounded by a girl and letting his friend take the fall, stating that at their age, they believed it was a "man's matter" to endure hardship without involving a girl. Yue Kong's father, Yue Bai Shan, faced disciplinary action for the incident and severely beat Yue Kong upon returning home, forbidding him from ever touching a gun again.

He angrily declared that Yue Kong had wasted ten years of his hard work and accused him of sabotaging a previous mine removal mission he was involved in despite his arm injury, stating that Yue Kong would only get people killed if he joined the army. Yue Kong, however, still found ways to pursue his fascination. Yue Kong, Wang Fan He, and Dai Jin, known as the "Three Musketeers Of The Quarters," grew up closely.

They often snuck into the barracks wearing stolen adult uniforms. As they matured, Dai Jin blossomed into a beautiful young woman, though she retained her playful nature. Yue Kong admitted it was impossible not to develop feelings for her. One day, the trio attempted to "take guns for training" by impersonating soldiers with stolen uniforms and IDs.

When questioned by the soldier on duty about their identification, Yue Kong claimed they had left their IDs in the dorm, but the soldier grew suspicious. The three were forced to flee, pursued by the guard. Later, while discussing their future, Wang Fan He acknowledged his lack of academic talent compared to Yue Kong, but hoped to join the military academy and earn a good position.

When Yue Kong suggested Dai Jin join them, she firmly stated her intention to study at a fine arts academy. Yue Kong joked about buying her expensive paintings in the future, prompting Dai Jin to tease him about needing to make a lot of money. Dai Jin confided in them that she felt a bicycle was following her home from art class and asked them to pick her up after evening study.

One evening, a group of hooligans surrounded Dai Jin, attempting to harass her. Wang Fan He rushed in with a brick but was ineffective. Yue Kong arrived and brandished what appeared to be a live grenade, threatening to light it up. The hooligans, terrified, quickly fled as Yue Kong shouted for Dai Jin to run. Furious about the grenade incident, Yue Kong's father, Yue Bai Shan, forbade him from joining the military and ordered him to stay home and study.

He berated Yue Kong, referencing the previous mine removal mission Yue Kong had been involved in despite his arm injury, calling him a "black sheep" who would endanger his comrades. Yue Kong's mother tried to reason with his father, suggesting Yue Kong, with his excellent grades and English skills, could pursue a career as a diplomat after attending a prestigious university. However, Yue Kong asserted that his dream was to be a soldier, believing it was inherently in his "genes."

Eventually, Dai Jin achieved her dream and was admitted to the Fine Arts Academy, ranking third among over a thousand applicants. Yue Kong also excelled, gaining admission to Yun Ling University for English. Their relationship solidified during college. During one of Wang Fan He's rare military leaves, the three friends met for dinner.

Wang Fan He shared details about his rigorous training, including cultural courses, tactical theory, and experience with various firearms like the Type 88 rifle, QBZ-95 rifle, and high-precision sniper rifles. Yue Kong, still harboring his military dream, subtly challenged Wang Fan He, who confidently asserted his superior strength.

Dai Jin tried to steer the conversation back to their future plans, mentioning her intention to become a lecturer and Yue Kong's plan to intern at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, hinting at marriage once their careers were stable. Despite his university path, Yue Kong's dream of being a soldier never faded. He secretly enlisted in the army.

His mother was upset about his decision, feeling he took after his father and questioning his choice to become a private instead of attending military school. She even suggested leveraging his father's connections with the detachment leader. However, Yue Kong reassured his parents he would excel and reminded his mother of a soldier's duty to obey orders.

Dai Jin, though heartbroken and feeling their shared plans were abandoned, decided to give him another chance, promising to wait for his return from service. With that, Yue Kong's interrupted military journey restarted. He found true fulfillment in the rigorous training, feeling "truly alive" while covered in sweat, mud, and water.

A fellow soldier sarcastically remarked that Yue Kong's achievements, such as being named "Most Outstanding Soldier" and being considered for promotion, were simply because his father was a military commander. Yue Kong refuted this, claiming his success was self-made, but the soldier persisted, pointing out that everyone knew the detachment commander was already arranging for Yue Kong to pursue further studies and promotion. At that moment, Yue Kong of the 1st Squadron, 3rd Platoon, was called, indicating someone was looking for him.

Episode 27 Recap

During the psychological training, the team continued to share their personal stories. Yue Kong recounted his past, beginning with Dai Jin’s birthday, when Wang Fan He brought her to visit him. Despite Yue Kong having forgotten her birthday, Dai Jin affectionately dismissed it, looking forward to his upcoming military discharge. However, Yue Kong then revealed his intention to not discharge, but instead apply for the special forces squadron. Dai Jin was deeply upset and left angrily.

Yue Kong found himself unable to contact Dai Jin, making phone calls to Wang Fan He to ask about her whereabouts. When they next met, she was with Wang Fan He. Dai Jin explained that her mother had waited her entire life for her father, only to receive a martyr’s medal in the end.

Growing up constantly fearing the same fate, Dai Jin had decided that the moment Yue Kong chose to become a special forces member, their relationship was over. She then handed him an invitation to her wedding with Wang Fan He. This news devastated Yue Kong, leaving him unfocused during training and failing to notice Qin Feng standing directly behind him. When confronted, Yue Kong admitted he felt he had made a mistake.

Qin Feng, advising him not to doubt himself as a sniper, urged him to confront and resolve whatever was bothering him. Taking Qin Feng’s advice, Yue Kong requested leave to attend Dai Jin and Wang Fan He’s wedding. After hearing Yue Kong’s story, Guo Xiaoxiao and Xiao Yun Jie candidly called him a "scumbag," to which Yue Kong agreed, accepting the criticism and stating he could only wish them happiness now.

It was then Yan Poyue’s turn to share his story, but he initially dismissed it as uninteresting, suggesting everyone should rest. Qin Feng noted Yan Poyue remained distant, like a "cold stone," though he believed Yan Poyue had a soft heart underneath.

The next morning, Yan Poyue woke everyone, confidently stating it was the eleventh day of their confinement, surprising his teammates, including veteran Yue Kong, who wondered how a new recruit could keep track of time so accurately in the dark. Yan Poyue then revealed that he had been imprisoned as a child in an even smaller, darker cellar for an entire month, without a bed or toilet. He had been abducted by drug traffickers seeking revenge on his father.

The cellar held many other children, victims of human trafficking. In that terrifying darkness, with no sound or light, fear and loneliness were magnified. They fought fiercely for meager scraps of food, too afraid to resist or escape, knowing it would only lead to worse beatings. One day, Yan Poyue managed to climb out, but none of the other children followed him. Instead, they screamed for the traffickers to catch him, hoping to be rewarded with a piece of corn.

Yan Poyue ran desperately until he reached a border post and was rescued. The military later found the cellar and freed the other children. His father, believing Yan Poyue was too weak to have been captured, subjected him to rigorous military training from the first grade, including long runs, weighted cross-country, and combat practice.

This experience left Yan Poyue with a hidden phobia: in enclosed spaces, especially with other people, his heart would race, he would sweat, feel uncomfortable, and even struggle to breathe. He never told anyone. Xiao Yun Jie recalled an incident in the confinement cell during their early days in the army that now made sense. Yan Poyue tried to overcome this severe insecurity and distrust by locking himself in dark rooms.

However, the symptoms vanished during Hell Week when he fell into a trap and Guo Xiaoxiao came down to rescue him. As they repeatedly failed to climb out, he realized his panic had subsided, understanding he implicitly trusted Guo Xiaoxiao. He then understood the profound importance of comrades. His current ten-day confinement with the team further confirmed that the symptoms had not recurred. Yan Poyue expressed his gratitude, feeling that his comrades had finally healed him.

With all stories shared, Qin Feng announced the end of the mission, confirming everyone had passed the psychological training. He informed them that the special forces brigade would now arrange specialized training based on their abilities. Meanwhile, the political instability in Region M had led to frequent military conflicts, with government forces and guerrillas encroaching on drug trade routes, significantly reducing Red Scorpion’s operating space. A defeated anti-government group retreated into Red Scorpion territory, leading to clashes.

Kun Sheng and Xing Tian were at odds over how to handle this. Xing Tian advocated for absorbing or eliminating the group, while Kun Sheng favored a peaceful resolution to avoid further complications in an already competitive market, which was already overcrowded. Kun Sheng proposed trading their supplies, food, and cash for the enemy’s outdated weapons to disarm them, believing that a toothless alligator would eventually disperse.

Privately, Xing Tian asked Miya who she would choose if he and Kun Sheng had to die, but she gave no direct answer. She merely observed that Xing Tian was the first to call Kun Sheng "Daddy Kun" and noted Kun Sheng's past kindness. Xing Tian then revealed his own dark history: born near China's border, his parents died from drug addiction.

He crossed into China, where Kun Sheng, then a human trafficker, locked him in a cellar with other children. There, he learned that being strong and ruthless ensured survival and a sense of security. He confessed that when Yan Poyue escaped, he led the other children in shouting for the traffickers to catch him, believing that leaving the cellar would end his "good life."

When Chinese police later rescued them, Xing Tian felt no gratitude, instead longing for the "security" of the well as he was still homeless and desperate. He later re-encountered Kun Sheng, who had once shown him kindness by providing food and money to him and his ailing "father" when Xing Tian was begging. Xing Tian then adopted Kun Sheng as his father, and they fled across the border together, eventually joining Red Scorpion.

Miya responded that she would follow whoever emerged victorious between him and Kun Sheng. Xing Tian proceeded to secretly ally with the anti-government forces and bribed many of Kun Sheng's inner circle. He met with the anti-government group, proposing an alliance to take control of Red Scorpion’s territory and open a new drug route into China, promising immense profits. Kun Sheng, feeling old and content with a stable life for his men, rejected the proposal.

However, Xing Tian countered that their younger brothers desired more than just a peaceful existence. Later, a resigned Kun Sheng acknowledged that his men had made their choice. He asked Xing Tian for a single field to grow poppies, but Xing Tian reminded him of Red Scorpion's tradition of abdication for its leaders. Kun Sheng then asked who would carry out the act. Xing Tian stated he would never forget Kun Sheng’s kindness, hinting at a betrayal.

Kun Sheng was subsequently killed. Before his death, he told Xing Tian that to defeat China’s special forces, he would need to use artillery. Following these events, Team Nine engaged in a counter-terrorism infiltration and explosives removal training exercise. Xiao Yun Jie, in his first mission as a blaster, was tasked with solving a Rubik's Cube connected to wires with a countdown, submerged in cold water. He confessed his lifelong inability to solve Rubik’s Cubes.

After five minutes, he successfully completed the task. Yan Poyue, while congratulating him, playfully suggested he needed to "use his head more." The team then enjoyed a meal of warm buns, sharing them among themselves.

Episode 28 Recap

The special forces underwent camouflage reconnaissance training, which required three-person squads to camouflage and proceed 300 meters to a firing line within 30 minutes. Once there, they had to read six numbers from an observer's sign and hit two targets with dry fire, all while avoiding six searchers. During the planning phase, Bai Long suggested splitting up and rendezvousing in an area with lush greenery and a slope for good concealment and retreat.

However, Yan Poyue objected, pointing out that while Bai Long's suggested location was excellent for concealment and retreat, their main objective was to read the numbers from the instructor's sign. He argued that the best location for reading the numbers, which he preferred, had less foliage and more observers, making them easily exposed, especially since they needed to dry fire twice.

He insisted they follow his plan, assigning the dry firing to Captain Cao Ben and the Vice-captain, while he would read the numbers. As the team advanced, Captain Cao Ben reminded his squad to spread out and hide, preparing for dry firing. He instructed them that if any emergency occurred, they should continue the mission while he would draw fire away from them. Searchers were actively moving, and the team successfully read five of the six numbers.

However, Yan Poyue couldn't clearly see the last digit, prompting Bai Long to move to a different position despite Yan Poyue's order to stay put. Bai Long then confirmed the final number, declaring the mission a success. Yet, Qin Feng immediately announced their mission failed because the person providing cover, Cao Ben, had entered a pre-set booby trap zone, resulting in simulated casualties. Yan Poyue protested, claiming the booby traps were too easy.

Cao Ben then revealed he had disarmed all the traps, confirming no actual casualties. Qin Feng acknowledged this, stating their squad had passed. Yan Poyue jokingly complimented Cao Ben on his quick disarming, to which Cao Ben replied he had practiced, further commenting that booby traps were his forte. Later, Bai Long confronted Cao Ben, who was deep in thought. Cao Ben repeatedly apologized, but Bai Long dismissed it as useless, asking if an apology could undo past mistakes.

Cao Ben's emotions erupted, revealing his childhood trauma of being shocked by lightning, which made him terrified of it in the army. He recounted freezing when he stepped on a landmine, feeling useless while Xiang Fei sacrificed himself to save him. Cao Ben expressed deep regret, believing Fei would still be alive if he hadn't been so afraid. He shared that he constantly studies landmines and apologizes to everyone, feeling it's the only way he can contribute.

Bai Long listened, tears streaming down his face, offering no further words. The team then moved on to their ultimate assessment: a hostage rescue mission. The goal was to successfully rescue the hostage and extract them within 30 minutes, with mission failure declared if the hostage or any squad member died. As the Cheetah Commando began operations in an abandoned cement factory, a sniper suddenly appeared, firing from a high tower.

Bai Long's Group B was tasked with eliminating the sniper and providing cover, while Yan Poyue’s Group A continued towards the warehouse. However, Group A soon came under heavy ambush and requested backup from Group B, forcing Bai Long to move to a vantage point for support. During the engagement, a disguised terrorist posing as experimental personnel was quickly neutralized. Despite their efforts, enemy firepower remained too intense for Bai Long’s team to advance.

They decided to deploy a drone to scout the terrain. From the observation room, Leng Jing criticized Qin Feng's strategy, calling it a "despicable trick" to surround them. Qin Feng, however, explained that he wanted to test them, as they were overly confident in their teamwork and trust. He aimed to show them that even a small mistake could lead to the demise of the entire squad.

Bai Long, reviewing the drone footage, realized the informant's intel was incorrect, leading them into the wrong building. Yan Poyue, observing this, openly cursed Qin Feng as a "sly old fox," much to Qin Feng's near annoyance. The two groups were ordered to regroup at point C, with Yue Kong and Guo Xiao Xiao assigned to eliminate the sniper. Yan Poyue, recognizing the disadvantage of street fighting, stressed the urgency of entering the warehouse to rescue the hostage.

Despite Captain Cao Ben's hesitation, citing the unreliable intel, Bai Long insisted on rushing into the warehouse with Yan Poyue, fearing further delay would endanger the hostage. Qin Feng, still observing, agreed with Leng Jing that their tactical coordination was good, but argued that excellent teamwork was useless if the overall strategy was flawed. Lv Tu remarked on their inexperience compared to Qin Feng, whom he called an "old fox."

Yan Poyue and Bai Long successfully located what they believed to be the hostage—a tied-up woman. Yan Poyue, after a quick glance, untied her without verifying her identity. Just then, Cao Ben arrived, asking if the identity had been confirmed. Yan Poyue realized his mistake, but it was too late; the woman was a disguised enemy, leading to mission failure. Qin Feng declared the simulated rescue training a failure, berating the Cheetah Commando for their "suicidal action."

Yue Kong, witnessing the failure, struggled to control his emotions. Cao Ben attempted to defend his team, pointing out that the assessment's premise was flawed as all the intel they received was fake, a rarity in real combat. Qin Feng angrily retorted that providing false intel was part of the assessment, and their rash actions stemmed from a lack of careful analysis.

He then listed three serious errors: first, being too gullible and failing to verify intel, especially when enemies might use fake information as a lure; second, underestimating the enemy, reminding them that their adversaries were armed, well-equipped, and ruthless; and third, being frivolous, directly scolding Yan Poyue for not verifying the hostage's identity and for his lingering gaze at the "pitiful," "sexily dressed" woman.

He emphasized that enemies would use any means to deceive them, even disguising themselves as civilians or family members, and that they must never be careless or make mistakes. Bai Long immediately requested a re-assessment. Qin Feng was enraged, asking if they would ask the King of Hell for a re-assessment after dying on a real battlefield. He scorned experienced veterans like them for being more prone to underestimating enemies.

Cao Ben took full responsibility, admitting his strategic deployment as captain was at fault. He pleaded for a re-assessment, framing it as a chance for the newcomers, and vowed to voluntarily retire from the military and never rejoin the Cheetah Commando if they failed again. Although angered by Cao Ben's words, Qin Feng ultimately agreed to a re-assessment, warning them that it would be even more difficult.

Leng Jing then granted them access to the command center, providing all video footage from the day's assessment and a floor plan of the training ground, urging them to learn their lessons before the next day's re-assessment. Yan Poyue stood contemplatively before a computer. The following day, for the re-assessment, everyone was noticeably more cautious. Qin Feng employed another deceptive tactic, a feint.

Yue Kong expertly took out a rooftop sniper, while Yan Poyue executed a "cool" move that impressed Xiao Yun Jie. Cao Ben, however, jokingly accused Yan Poyue of "courting death," and Lv Tu, watching from the observation room, also criticized Yan Poyue for falling back into old habits. Qin Feng expressed his worry, stating that if this mission failed, their entire ten days of intense training would have been in vain.

Upon finding the hostage, Yan Poyue was meticulous in confirming her identity before signaling Xiao Yun Jie to defuse the bomb. As enemy fire intensified and the hostage, strapped to a mechanism, faced imminent danger, Xiao Yun Jie managed to disarm the bomb at the last possible second. Qin Feng, seeing their improved performance, decided to increase the mission's difficulty.

Just as the team was preparing to evacuate the hostage, the mission was suddenly upgraded: they now had eight minutes to locate the hidden drug lord leader within the cement factory, or the mission would be deemed a failure, as the entire factory was rigged to explode. Qin Feng had kept this hidden task a secret, not even informing Leng Jing or Lv Tu, fearing Leng Jing might protect the team and leak the details.

The team was momentarily at a loss, but Yan Poyue quickly realized the target's location and urgently told Cao Ben the leader was below them. Displaying synchronized teamwork, they simultaneously destroyed all surveillance monitors, plunging the observation screens into darkness. Leng Jing and Lv Tu found this amusing, acknowledging that the team was merely applying Qin Feng's own tactics back at him.

Episode 29 Recap

After successfully completing a re-take of their mission, the Ninth Squad celebrated their flawless operation: 25 enemies eliminated, 4 injured, zero casualties, a rescued hostage, and a captured enemy leader. However, Qin Feng remained stern, reminding them that a re-take was "barely a pass" and no cause for celebration. He urged them to internalize the lessons learned and apply them to future missions by exploiting enemy weaknesses.

When an officer suggested a reward, Qin Feng relented, announcing extra dishes for dinner, which was met with cheers. In the volatile Red Scorpion stronghold, Xing Tian, now a dominant figure, introduced Miya to General Xin Min. Miya reacted with uncontrollable rage, attempting to shoot Xin Min, forcing Xing Tian to intervene and kick her into a river.

Later, a bound Miya revealed her deep-seated animosity: Xin Min, once a captain under Miya's father – who was the supreme commander of their guerrilla unit – had betrayed her father for money and gifted her to one of his subordinates. When she resisted, she was imprisoned and subjected to forced drug injections. Miya eventually escaped, but her addiction led her to attempt theft from the Red Scorpion, resulting in her capture.

Miya, discerning Xing Tian’s intentions, observed that he sought Xin Min for his resources and would not keep him alive indefinitely. Xing Tian confirmed this, promising Miya the opportunity to exact her revenge personally. The next day, Xing Tian orchestrated a public knife fight. He provoked Xin Min by praising his renowned knife skills, then presented Miya as his opponent, urging her to seize her chance. Miya, demonstrating remarkable skill, swiftly killed Xin Min.

Xing Tian mockingly highlighted Xin Min’s defeat by a woman, and the deceased general’s men immediately pledged their allegiance to the Red Scorpion, accepting Xing Tian as their new general. Meanwhile, Xing Tian sought to bolster his forces with heavy artillery. He was introduced to Nan Da, an acclaimed "Mortar God" from the government's former artillery unit.

To prove Nan Da's precision, Xing Tian ordered him to hit a distant pine tree and then a specific rock, both of which Nan Da struck flawlessly. For a final, audacious test, Xing Tian stood directly in front of a target, challenging Nan Da to hit a circle behind him. Despite the arms dealer's protests and warnings from Xing Tian’s men, Nan Da, without hesitation, hit the target perfectly. Xing Tian, exhilarated, remained unscathed.

He then offered Nan Da three times the price of his current employment, purchasing him from the arms dealer with a vast sum of money, enough to equip an entire new army. Xing Tian declared that Nan Da was capable of creating miracles under his command. Back at the military base, Lv Tu, a former artilleryman, delivered a lecture on the primary threats to special forces: artillery and aerial assault.

He detailed the devastating impact of heavy artillery shells, emphasizing that even a prone position would not save a soldier caught in an open area. He introduced the cluster flechette cartridge, capable of raining thousands of steel arrows over a wide area, rendering a squad useless. Lv Tu dismissed concerns about international conventions, stating that enemies would not abide by them, and warned that the only defense was to avoid being caught.

Yan Poyue, however, argued that special forces’ agility and electronic countermeasures would make heavy artillery largely ineffective, akin to "an elephant trying to catch a mouse." Lv Tu acknowledged the point but countered that enemies would anticipate such tactics and instead use mortars, the "nemesis of all infantries." He explained mortars’ portability, curved trajectory, ease of operation, high rate of fire, and versatility in firing various types of shells, including flechette-style rounds by expert users.

At the end of the lesson, Lv Tu instructed everyone to burn their notes after a mere three-minute review, prioritizing immediate retention. Yan Poyue was the first to swiftly memorize and burn his notes, quickly followed by Guo Xiaoxiao. As the annual Red vs. Blue drill approached, a Special Operations Brigade detachment was dispatched to a newly formed plateau base. Yan Poyue, recognizing the location, realized he would be facing his former comrades.

During dinner, the familiar taste of braised tofu stirred nostalgia for his cooking days. Xiao Yun Jie teased him about missing his old job. They overheard other soldiers mocking the new base's occupants, the reformed Squad 247, as "professional punching bags," and disparagingly noted that two of their former cooks had joined the elite Cheetah Commando. Xiao Yun Jie, angered, was restrained by a remarkably calm Yan Poyue, who pointed out that fighting would lead to their disqualification.

Commander Liu, eagerly anticipating his confrontation with his old rival, Qin Feng, recalled Qin Feng’s legendary nickname, "Three Shells Qin," earned by single-handedly destroying a drug cartel with three bazooka shells early in his Cheetah Commando career. Commander Liu wondered how Yan Poyue, who reminded him of a young Qin Feng, had been molded by the Cheetahs. He rallied his Blue Team with the audacious slogan, "Capture Three Shells Qin alive! Turn the Cheetahs into kittens!"

In a separate briefing, Qin Feng galvanized his Cheetah squad, emphasizing their "quality over quantity" philosophy and setting a target of over 50% casualties on their numerically superior opponents, warning that failure would bring shame to the entire Cheetah Commando. Aboard a helicopter en route to the base, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie confirmed their resolve to fight without holding back, believing their former comrades would "despise" them if they did.

Zhou Zi Jian, also present, expressed his long-held anticipation of confronting Yan Poyue. Commander Liu also implemented a strategic psychological operation. He ordered an armed helicopter converted into a medical air ambulance, offering it for enemy rescue on humanitarian grounds, instructing the Cheetahs to use two red and one green flare for assistance. However, his staff officer correctly identified this as a ploy.

Commander Liu confirmed his true intent: to capture high-value prisoners for intelligence gathering, as their gear or unguarded "hero" interviews could reveal crucial information. Furthermore, if the Cheetahs suffered heavy losses, Commander Liu planned to spread rumors of a "traitor" within their ranks, anticipating that such an accusation would shatter the proud Cheetahs' morale more effectively than any military defeat. The helicopters arrived, and the Red and Blue forces met.

An announcement stated that the official confrontation would begin in three hours. During these three hours, the Blue Team was forbidden from initiating an attack. The Red Team was given one hour to vacate the meeting area and prepare, after which any remaining Red Team members would be considered captured. The Blue Team's defiant chant, "Capture Three Shells Qin alive! Turn the Cheetahs into kittens!" rang out.

Lv Xiao Tian, presenting his "winning dish" of braised tofu, playfully approached Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, who pretended not to know him until he revealed the secretly made pork hocks. Yan Poyue jokingly questioned if they were poisoned. They then asked Guo Kui about their former squad leader, Fan Jin. Guo Kui assured them Fan Jin was well and conveyed his encouragement, stating that no matter which side won, the kitchen squad would earn credit.

Meanwhile, Qin Feng visited Commander Liu, observing his team's high morale and noting Liu’s growing reputation as the "Army Whetstone." Commander Liu responded with false humility, contrasting his new team’s fearlessness with the Cheetahs’ potential embarrassment in defeat. Qin Feng, equally sharp, retorted that Liu was adept at grandstanding, suggesting the drill was an opportunity for the "Army Knife" (Cheetahs) and "Army Whetstone" (Blue Team) to learn from each other.

Episode 30 Recap

During a pre-drill meeting, Colonel Liu and Qin Feng exchanged veiled threats. Colonel Liu, knowing Qin Feng’s tactics, recognized his request for dinner as a reconnaissance mission for his team. Qin Feng, in turn, advised Colonel Liu to tell his men to "take it easy" during the drill, subtly reminding him of past heavy losses. Meanwhile, in Team Nine, Yan Poyue, with a mischievous glint in his eye, gathered his comrades.

He planned to create an "opening red" (a good start). Xiao Yun Jie distracted the Blue Team sentries at the base entrance, allowing Yan Poyue to set up a jammer. After leaving briefly, Yan Poyue returned to draw a white line on the ground, proclaiming that the Blue Team was forbidden to cross it for another hour and thirty-five minutes as per drill regulations. He continued to speak nonsensically to buy time.

Colonel Liu soon noticed the surveillance monitors showed footage from half an hour prior. He immediately dispatched the guard squad to the entrance to investigate. Yan Poyue kept up his act of feigned foolishness. When Colonel Liu arrived, fuming, Yan Poyue, standing behind the white line, warned them not to cross it. Just then, Yan Poyue fired what appeared to be a dummy grenade towards the Blue Team’s helicopter unit.

While Colonel Qin tried to calm Colonel Liu by stating the grenade wouldn’t count as the drill hadn't officially started, an official message soon came in: the helicopter squadron and its fuel supply vehicles were "eliminated" from the drill due to a "fire bomb" written on the grenade. Colonel Liu was enraged, realizing Yan Poyue had exploited a loophole in the rules.

Qin Feng, however, pointed out that this incident revealed a significant defensive vulnerability in the Blue Team’s base camp. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, Colonel Liu immediately contacted the conducting team, requesting permission to commence pursuit ahead of schedule. He declared they would rather die than let the Cheetahs escape. Elsewhere, Leng Jing and Lv Tu’s eight-person squad found their position compromised by Blue Team search parties.

With limited cover, Leng Jing proposed they split into three-man teams to infiltrate and break through the encirclement, planning to meet at a designated rally point. Leng Jing volunteered to stay behind and distract the pursuers, prioritizing Lv Tu’s role as captain. The opposing Blue Team captain, who had twice failed to join Cheetah Commando, aggressively challenged Leng Jing to a fight. After a brief but intense confrontation, Leng Jing skillfully eliminated him and his entire team.

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, meanwhile, had managed to steal a Blue Team vehicle with the help of Guo Xiaoxiao and Yue Kong. Drawing on his detailed knowledge of the kitchen squad’s routines, Yan Poyue correctly deduced the location of the "real" Blue Team supply truck. As they approached, Guo Xiaoxiao reminded Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie that despite their past camaraderie, they were now opponents, and there was no room for leniency.

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie quickly apprehended Lu Xiao Tian, who tried to act friendly and reminisce. Yan Poyue firmly reminded him that this was a battlefield, and he was now a captive. Suddenly, Zhang Tian Yang, the new kitchen squad leader (taking over after Fan Jin retired), appeared. Yan Poyue immediately saluted him, then instinctively shielded him when he noticed Guo Xiaoxiao had Zhang Tian Yang targeted.

Seeing Zhang Tian Yang walk with a noticeable limp, Yan Poyue realized it was an old injury from the selection process. Overcome with guilt, he declared his intention to abandon the mission. Guo Xiaoxiao vehemently protested, reminding him of their objective to cut off Blue Team's supplies and questioning his motives. Zhang Tian Yang, refusing pity, demanded Yan Poyue treat him as an enemy.

When Yan Poyue hesitated, Zhang Tian Yang instructed Lu Xiao Tian to bind them and even physically struck Yan Poyue with his "injured" leg, insisting that engaging him was the only form of respect. Lu Xiao Tian feigned concern, urging Zhang Tian Yang to stop lest he worsen his injury. Yan Poyue, after a moment of internal conflict, finally tied both Zhang Tian Yang and Lu Xiao Tian.

During their drive, Yan Poyue began to notice discrepancies: Lu Xiao Tian’s excessive chatter and Zhang Tian Yang’s uncharacteristic failure to prevent Lu Xiao Tian from mentioning Guo Kui’s location. He realized they were putting on an act. Feigning a need to use the restroom, Yan Poyue stopped the vehicle and led Xiao Yun Jie and Guo Xiaoxiao into a nearby forest to observe.

Moments later, Zhang Tian Yang leaped from the vehicle, his "injured" leg now moving with perfect agility. Guo Kui and other Blue Team members then emerged to untie them, admitting their surprise that Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie had become such astute strategists after joining Cheetah, having seen through their elaborate ruse. With the charade over and the "debt" of their past settled, Yan Poyue declared the true battle could begin.

Guo Xiaoxiao immediately opened fire, drawing Guo Kui’s team towards the eastern woods. Yan Poyue coordinated with Bai Long to provide support for Guo Xiaoxiao’s feint, while he and Xiao Yun Jie capitalized on the diversion to locate the actual Blue Team supply station. Following the feint, Zhang Tian Yang and Lu Xiao Tian drove the supply truck to what they believed was the main Blue Team supply station.

Unbeknownst to them, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie had already stowed away on the vehicle, confirming its identity as the Blue Team's largest supply hub. Cao Ben and his team had positioned themselves at the outer perimeter.

He established communication with Yan Poyue, outlining a coordinated attack: Cao Ben's team would launch a feint attack to draw Blue Team’s attention and firepower, creating an opportunity for Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie to detonate the explosives and escape without direct engagement. As the feint commenced, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie ignited the explosives, successfully destroying the supply station and breaking through the ensuing chaos. Zhang Tian Yang and Lu Xiao Tian, though eliminated from the drill, watched with evident pride, deeply satisfied with their former comrades' remarkable success.

Episode 31 Recap

After six hours of engagement, the Blue Team's kill ratio reached ten percent, infuriating Regiment Commander Liu. During dinner, Liu attempted to boost morale by emphasizing their twenty-five times superior force and declaring that victory would be theirs. He stressed that their opponents in this drill were not allies but terrorists, and that they must hold their ground.

Meanwhile, Qin Feng recounted a story to his Red Team, the "Cheetahs," portraying them as protagonists tasked with destroying over fifty percent of a deeply entrenched biological weapons base, which he described not as an exercise, but as a real war they must win, even if it meant "poking a hole in the sky" and utterly destroying the enemy's barracks.

He then outlined the attack plan: destroy the enemy's fuel depot, weapon depot, and command center, with a "behead all" action on command personnel. Before the general assault, they would use graphite bombs to disable the enemy's electrical systems. Liu was advised to move to the command car for safety, but he insisted on remaining, considering himself the main bait for the "Cheetahs." The Cheetahs initiated their assault. Under intense fire, the Cheetahs struggled to gain an immediate advantage.

Qin Feng's team utilized rain-proof anti-hail rockets to disperse the clouds, followed by graphite thread rockets. An officer explained that the Cheetahs had calculated the precise moment to launch the graphite threads when fog was rising in the Blue Team's barracks, causing the threads to descend rapidly and burn out all electrical circuits. This created an environment of minimal visibility, perfect for close-quarters combat.

Regiment Commander Liu, realizing Qin Feng intended to "take advantage of the chaos," declared he would "clear the water" to thwart him. Ignoring Qin Feng’s order for a general retreat, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yunjie broke through the encirclement, heading straight for the command center. Xiao Yunjie drew enemy fire, but Yan Poyue discovered the tactical command center was a decoy. Qin Feng, realizing they had disobeyed, immediately ordered them to evacuate.

The battle intensified, with many Cheetah operatives eliminated, but their communications were also disrupted. As the Blue Team pressed their advantage, celebrating their perceived victory, Cao Ben decided to cover Yan Poyue and Xiao Yunjie’s escape. Yan Poyue initially resisted, insisting they should succeed as a unit, but Cao Ben argued that only their escape could maximize the casualties inflicted on the Blue Team and secure victory for Cheetah.

Elsewhere, Yue Kong, having completed his twenty-five targets, also realized a collective retreat was impossible and chose to cover Guo Xiaoxiao's withdrawal. Eventually, Qin Feng, Bai Long, and Cao Ben were all "eliminated." Despite Bai Long's lingering disdain for Cao Ben, he expressed a willingness to fall in battle alongside him, to which Cao Ben smiled. After a night of fierce fighting, Regiment Commander Liu was confident in their victory.

He was informed that Qin Feng had been "shot and eliminated" and that the Blue Team's kill ratio was still being counted, but "definitely not more than forty percent." Reflecting on the battle, Liu grudgingly admired the Cheetahs, a thirty-two-person special forces squad, for inflicting thirty-five percent casualties on their nearly one-thousand-person detachment. He acknowledged that the Cheetahs truly lived up to the saying "quality over quantity." Liu confidently approached Qin Feng's "body," congratulating him on the exercise.

However, Qin Feng countered that "Cheetah will never lose," claiming he had exceeded his mission target within ten minutes of the battle. He suggested Liu "do a head count again," stating that the drill was far from over. Liu recounted twenty-nine "bodies," with three missing, and questioned the count. He reminded Qin Feng that Red Team needed to inflict fifty percent heavy losses on the Blue Team to win.

Even with the "illegal" use of graphite bombs, they had only caused thirty-eight percent damage. Liu wondered how the three remaining Red Team members could possibly account for the additional twelve percent. Qin Feng confidently stated it was "simple" and that he had "made arrangements." As Liu approached, curious about Qin Feng's claim, Qin Feng dramatically detonated a simulated bomb on his "body."

He revealed that all eight of Cheetah's captains and vice-captains carried such devices, explaining their real-world destructive power. He then declared Liu and his surrounding officers "eliminated," arguing that while they couldn't capture him alive, their curiosity and vanity would lead them to confirm his "corpse," making them vulnerable.

Liu conceded that Qin Feng had exploited his curiosity and vanity, calculating that his own "elimination" (worth three percent) plus all officers within the explosion's radius pushed the Blue Team's casualties beyond forty percent. Despite this, he again reminded Qin Feng that the drill was not over. Liu immediately appointed Sun Ning as the new Blue Team top commander, tasking him with eliminating the remaining enemy: Yan Poyue, Xiao Yunjie, and their spotter, Guo Xiaoxiao.

Sun Ning assembled three fifteen-person teams, led by Zhou Zijian, Gao Zhun, and Zhang Tianyang, all of whom had previously served with Yan Poyue and Xiao Yunjie. Zhou Zijian's team was ordered to pursue them from the front, Gao Zhun's team to encircle and wear them down, and Zhang Tianyang's sniper team to suppress Guo Xiaoxiao. Sun Ning rallied his forces, emphasizing their numerical superiority and the need to achieve victory that night.

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yunjie soon detected multiple enemy snipers, causing Yan Poyue to worry about Guo Xiaoxiao. Zhou Zijian, having anticipated their movements, led his team around a minefield, relentlessly taunting Yan Poyue about his past to provoke him. Zhou’s tactics eventually forced Guo Xiaoxiao to expose her position. Zhang Tianyang's sniper team then pursued Guo Xiaoxiao, while Zhou Zijian and Gao Zhun focused on Yan Poyue and Xiao Yunjie.

The two were pinned down and forced to use their last smoke bomb to create a diversion. Xiao Yunjie sacrificed himself in a "one for one" exchange, eliminating Zhou Zijian and covering Yan Poyue's escape, knowing that with Yan Poyue still in the fight, their chances of victory were higher. Zhou Zijian realized Xiao Yunjie had stalled him for Yan Poyue, but it was too late.

Meanwhile, a Blue Team report indicated their western ammunition depot had been ambushed, but damage was not severe; the enemy's primary goal was to steal ammunition. The Blue Team's kill ratio was now estimated at forty-three percent. Xiao Yunjie, even after being "eliminated," continued to taunt the Blue Team and stall for time.

Episode 32 Recap

The Blue Team's power system was destroyed, leaving them reliant on water hand-pumped from a well. However, this well water suddenly turned bitter. A soldier reported the water was more bitter than porridge, leading Sun Ning to quickly identify denatonium benzoate, or bitters, as the cause. He noted that such a low concentration would evade normal detection.

Realizing the enemy had exploited their weak defenses, Sun Ning recalled Yan Poyue’s past in the kitchen squad after leaving recruit company, deducing that Yan Poyue understood their routines and had executed a precise, morale-damaging attack. Sun Ning ordered the kitchen squad to use wartime reserve water for breakfast and sent men to retrieve a slow-release container from the well.

The container was found, bearing the inscription, “Recalling past sufferings and thinking about the good times ahead is the glorious tradition of our military,” clearly indicating Yan Poyue's handiwork. Soon after, a mortar attack, initiated by Yan Poyue using ammunition stolen from the Blue Team’s armory, eliminated ten kitchen squad leaders and twenty-seven soldiers, devastating the unit.

With only Guo Xiaoxiao and Yan Poyue remaining from the Cheetah team, Guo Xiaoxiao faced Zhang Tian Yang and his sniper squad, while Yan Poyue was being pursued by Gao Zhun. Zhang Tian Yang engaged in psychological warfare, displaying eleven water bottles, each representing a Blue Team sniper. He challenged Guo Xiaoxiao to hit them, explaining that for every hit, one of his men would be eliminated.

He tried to provoke her by saying that the drill rules were holding her back and that he would eliminate Yan Poyue within an hour if she didn't act. Guo Xiaoxiao, however, employed methods Zhang Tian Yang had never encountered. She used cut grass as a visual distraction, timing her shots with strong winds. Zhang Tian Yang, reflecting on his own habits, realized she had discerned his subtle relaxation pattern – a brief eye-closure every eighteen minutes.

During his seventh such break, Guo Xiaoxiao struck, leaving him metaphorically "blind even with his eyes open." Zhang Tian Yang admitted defeat, conceding that snipers must never have predictable habits, or they would have long been eliminated by an enemy like Guo Xiaoxiao on a real battlefield. Despite her victory, Guo Xiaoxiao's position was exposed and would be subjected to a fifteen-minute carpet bombing. Surrounded by explosions and fire, Guo Xiaoxiao was honorably "eliminated."

Meanwhile, Yan Poyue intercepted a Blue Team relief convoy from headquarters, posing as a Blue Team soldier and demanding identification and cargo inspection. He claimed to be escorting the truck for safety. The drivers joked that he just wanted to "quench his thirst" with the fresh produce. Indeed, Yan Poyue ate some cucumbers and radishes in the back of the truck, but he also injected the remaining vegetables with an unknown substance before disembarking a kilometer from the base.

Among the relief personnel was reporter Gu Meng, specially assigned to cover the exercise. Previously dejected eliminated soldiers brightened at her arrival, eager to be interviewed. Guo Kui, eating a cucumber, suddenly began to "bleed" from his mouth, as did others. The cucumbers were bleeding. Panic ensued, and the vegetables were sent for analysis. The drivers recalled Yan Poyue escorting them. Yan Poyue's plan succeeded.

Gu Meng, intrigued by the "Soldier King" everyone was discussing, snuck into the exercise area with her photographer, determined to get an interview. Yan Poyue discovered them and immediately tied Gu Meng up, initially suspecting her of being a Blue Team spy.

After a pat-down revealed no suspicious equipment, he realized she was indeed a reporter, but chastised her for her reckless self-importance, explaining that her "playing games" on a battlefield could cost lives and asking if she had any discipline. Gu Meng cried for help. Sun Ning, alerted by Gu Meng's photographer, quickly dispatched rescue teams to "Zone D" where she was, while also sending other units to "Zone C" for a flanking maneuver, anticipating a feint.

The Blue Team soldiers rushed to rescue Gu Meng, but Yan Poyue systematically eliminated them. Rescued, Gu Meng was furious, screaming her hatred for Yan Poyue. Fighting alone, Yan Poyue felt an profound silence, like being submerged underwater. He realized the most challenging part wasn't disguise, lurking, or finding food, but the isolation and absence of anyone to communicate with.

He reflected on his past belief that he alone was sufficient, now understanding the terrifying reality of being isolated and helpless in real combat, with only himself to depend on, and hoping he would never encounter such a situation again. After seven days and nights, the exercise finally concluded. The Red Team was declared victorious, having achieved their target of inflicting a casualty rate of over fifty percent on the Blue Team.

Qin Feng expressed his pride in Yan Poyue's solo effort. Liu Commander reluctantly accepted the defeat, acknowledging the Cheetahs, especially Yan Poyue, had performed outstandingly by exploiting the drill's loopholes with "clever schemes." However, he pondered what Yan Poyue might become in a true war, where he would witness the blood of his comrades and resort to any means necessary to make the enemy bleed more. Liu Commander questioned what those "clever schemes" would evolve into.

The broadcast announced the end of the Red vs. Blue exercise, ordering all units to assemble at the Blue Team's base. Despite the announcement, Yan Poyue remained hidden in the forest, continuing to attack Blue Team soldiers. Qin Feng, hearing reports of ongoing attacks, used the loudspeaker to command Yan Poyue to immediately return to the base, informing him that the exercise sensor system was deactivated. However, Yan Poyue remained unresponsive.

On the seventeenth day of the exercise, Yan Poyue still had not returned to base. All available personnel were dispatched to search for him, but he remained unfound, prompting Qin Feng to consider going personally to retrieve him, suspecting the boy was simply "addicted to fighting."

Episode 33 Recap

Yan Poyue persisted in fighting, believing the drill was still ongoing and that any announcements were merely a trap. Recognizing his stubbornness, Liu Regiment Commander realized only one person might be able to bring Yan Poyue back: Ai Qianxue. She was urgently called to the drill base and went into the forest with a megaphone, repeatedly calling for Yan Poyue.

Finally, he emerged, covered in mud, holding a knife in his left hand and a gun in his right, his voice hoarse. Yan Poyue cautiously asked why she was there, explaining he was still in combat, believing the war was ongoing and that all calls were traps since they hadn't reached the stipulated kill ratio. Ai Qianxue slowly advanced, assuring him the drill had ended and the Cheetah Commando had won.

Hearing this, Yan Poyue's defenses crumbled, and his legs gave out beneath him. He confessed that he initially just wanted to prove himself, but after losing all his comrades, the fight became an obsession, a test of how long he could last alone using various schemes. He then became afraid that if he were truly the enemy, all the eliminated Blue Team soldiers would be dead.

He wanted his persistence to show everyone how to defend themselves to prevent losses in a real battle. Ai Qianxue clarified that this responsibility belonged to the entire armed police force, not just him. Upon hearing the news of the drill's end again, Yan Poyue finally fainted from exhaustion. Back at the base, Yan Poyue was greeted with salutes from everyone, a testament to his unwavering determination.

Ai Qianxue expressed her joy, acknowledging that he had not been disheartened or given up, but had carved out his own path through sheer effort and persistence. The planned celebratory dinner ended up being just Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Lu Xiao Tian, and Guo Kui, as the Blue Team members were too frustrated to join. During the meal, Yan Poyue inquired about Fan Jin, learning that Fan Jin had retired about half a year prior.

Lu Xiao Tian also announced his impending military discharge, promising a big farewell feast for his friends. Zhou Zijian also came, and being a vain and image-conscious person, he always liked to compete with Yan Poyue, who was stronger than him in every aspect. He noted that such fair competition could only happen in the military, and they would meet again.

Yan Poyue and Xiao Yunjie stood up and had a drink with him, agreeing to wait for him in Cheetah. Liu Regiment Commander praised Yan Poyue's exceptional performance in the drill to Qin Feng, but Qin Feng was less impressed, highlighting Yan Poyue’s strong individual heroism. While admitting Yan Poyue was good "iron," he hoped he would become "good steel," and purposefully withheld praise, even as everyone else hailed Yan Poyue as a hero.

Later that night, Yan Poyue was found wandering, looking for Ai Qianxue. Liu Regiment Commander informed him that Ai Qianxue had been urgently summoned to the base specifically for him and had already returned to her unit now that he was safe. Yan Poyue felt guilty, explaining his struggle to believe it was just a drill, constantly reminding himself that they were real enemies, and still feeling disoriented.

Liu Regiment Commander shared his own past period of confusion and advised Yan Poyue that the most important thing is not the choice itself, but the perseverance to keep walking one's chosen path, which allows for correction and adjustment. He emphasized that hesitation only breeds fear, and by trusting himself and persisting, Yan Poyue would one day achieve his ideals. Back in Cheetah, Qin Feng confronted Yan Poyue for not attending psychological counseling.

Yan Poyue saw no need for it, but Qin Feng angrily asserted that Yan Poyue wasn't cooperating with his comrades but rather forcing them to cooperate with him to fulfill his personal heroism and achieve his goals. Qin Feng acknowledged Yan Poyue's prowess in solo combat, but noted that he became constrained when working in a team, viewing comrades as mere tools for success.

Qin Feng worried that Yan Poyue's innate arrogance and confidence, fueled by constant success since joining the military, would eventually endanger his comrades. He ominously stated that behind Yan Poyue's victories, he saw the blood of his comrades, and the more victories he accumulated, the more blood would be shed in the future.

Frustrated by Yan Poyue's lack of understanding, Qin Feng explained that this issue was "unsolvable" until Yan Poyue experienced failure, and therefore, he couldn't allow Yan Poyue onto a real battlefield. Despite being in Cheetah, Qin Feng declared that as long as he was in command, Yan Poyue would remain on the training ground. To compel him to reflect, Qin Feng suspended Yan Poyue from training for a week.

Meanwhile, Xing Tian met with "Mr. Zhang," who was actually a woman. Xing Tian accused Zhang's son of encroaching on his market, violating the old agreement between Xing Tian's father and the previous Mr. Zhang that divided the border and mainland markets. Zhang offered one million dollars as compensation, but Xing Tian refused, demanding she relinquish her market, revealing he had abducted her son. A tense standoff ensued, with both sides having hidden snipers.

Xing Tian revealed Zhang's son tied to a tree on Mount Niutou, seemingly aimed at by his own sniper. Zhang's sniper, Xiao Fei (who was also known as Xiao Fei Hu), deduced that the son was a fake and advised Zhang not to concede. Zhang, realizing the deception, ordered Xiao Fei to kill Xing Tian. However, Xing Tian was quicker, killing Zhang with a single shot. He then offered Xiao Fei ten times his previous earnings, successfully recruiting him.

Xing Tian immediately assigned Xiao Fei to a delivery, instructing Tai to guide him on the Mengla Route to deliver goods to Lao Gui. He cautioned Xiao Fei not to carry weapons and to prioritize discarding the goods over exposing the route.

Mi Ya questioned sending important goods with a newcomer, but Xing Tian revealed that the "powder" Xiao Fei carried was a decoy, intended to attract the attention of Chinese military forces while the real cargo was transported elsewhere by him and Mi Ya via the Mengla Route. During his week-long suspension, Yan Poyue idly cleaned several pairs of his comrades' shoes in the dorm, much to Xiao Yun Jie’s concern.

Lu Xiao Tian called, informing them he was on a long-distance bus and would arrive at their county town the next day, hoping they could meet. Since Xiao Yun Jie couldn't get leave, Yan Poyue went alone to meet Lu Xiao Tian. Two years after his military discharge, Lu Xiao Tian had come directly to see them without even returning home first. Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie had prepared gifts for him, with Xiao Yun Jie even writing a heartfelt letter.

Episode 34 Recap

Xiao Fei, on a mission for Xing Tian, transported a package when he encountered a police checkpoint. He sensed something was off, asking his companion, a drug dealer, what was truly inside the box and threatening to turn back if not told the real mission. During the routine inspection, he was nervous, but the police found nothing suspicious in his bag or the car, allowing them to pass.

Yan Poyue had dinner with Lu Xiao Tian, who was excitedly planning his post-military life. Lu Xiao Tian revealed he'd successfully cultivated saffron and intended to build a business empire, even boasting that he'd soon be on Forbes and would take care of Yan Poyue once he became "Boss Lu." Yan Poyue good-naturedly played along, jokingly asking for future employment.

Lu Xiao Tian then joked about Yan Poyue's familiar force when he playfully hit him, noting he wouldn't be hit anymore once he was discharged. Meanwhile, Xiao Fei, still on his mission, was given a timed explosive by a drug dealer and ordered to plant it in a crowded area to "pay back" Chinese soldiers. Xiao Fei vehemently refused, stating he prioritized his life over money and wouldn't be a scapegoat, especially since he hadn't received any payment.

As Yan Poyue walked Lu Xiao Tian to the bus station, a broadcast announced the presence of explosives in a public area. The drug dealer left the bomb in a trash can at the station. Yan Poyue quickly identified himself to the station police, ordering them to evacuate the public while he handled the bomb. The device was located in a trash can, and Yan Poyue, with Lu Xiao Tian's help, began to disarm it.

Yan Poyue, drawing on his training, asked Lu Xiao Tian for tools. Lu Xiao Tian found a pair of scissors, to which Yan Poyue declared, "It has to." After a tense period, Yan Poyue successfully stopped the countdown, bringing a brief moment of relief to both of them. Lu Xiao Tian even joked about nearly running away if it hadn't stopped. However, the bomb unexpectedly reactivated, resuming its countdown.

Time was again pressing second by second, and Yan Poyue frantically tried to find another solution, repeating to himself, "Complete the mission. Go back alive." Realizing the dire situation, he urged Lu Xiao Tian to leave, but Lu Xiao Tian refused, declaring, "Yan, you've always got my back, today, I got yours!" When the bomb counted down to a few seconds, Lu Xiao Tian resolutely grabbed the bomb and rushed into a nearby stairwell.

As Yan Poyue hastily chased after him, the bomb exploded, killing Lu Xiao Tian instantly and knocking Yan Poyue to the ground. Lu Xiao Tian died at the scene. An officer later confirmed that Lu Xiao Tian suffered severe internal organ damage and abdominal trauma, dying instantly. Lv Tu arrived to find Yan Poyue in shock, sitting in a corner, his face bloodied and his eyes vacant, clutching Lu Xiao Tian's saffron seeds.

Lv Tu tried to engage Yan Poyue, explaining that the public security department needed his statement to help apprehend the suspect, but Yan Poyue remained unresponsive. That night, Yan Poyue dreamed of Lu Xiao Tian. In the dream, he searched a misty forest for his friend, eventually finding Lu Xiao Tian near his saffron, where he said he was visiting them for the last time before leaving them to Yan Poyue's care.

When Yan Poyue asked where he was going, Lu Xiao Tian cryptically mentioned seeing his name on the Forbes list, then left without further explanation. Yan Poyue awoke, finding Xiao Yun Jie also awake and silently weeping, both grappling with the profound grief of losing their comrade and friend. Lu Xiao Tian's mother arrived at the base. Qin Feng, knowing Lu Xiao Tian often mentioned Yan Poyue on the phone, arranged for Yan Poyue to meet her.

Yan Poyue immediately knelt before her, expressing his profound guilt, confessing that Lu Xiao Tian not only protected the public but also saved his life, and that defusing the bomb should have been his responsibility. Lu Xiao Tian's mother gently helped him up, assuring him she didn't blame him. She tearfully asked if Lu Xiao Tian had left any last words. Yan Poyue recounted Lu Xiao Tian's final brave declaration: "You've always got my back, today, I got yours!"

Overcome with grief, she revealed a secret she had kept from her son: his father had been diagnosed with liver cancer a year ago and was being sustained by chemotherapy, his only hope being to see Lu Xiao Tian one last time. She pleaded with the unit to help forge a letter from Lu Xiao Tian to his father, stating his discharge was delayed due to an important mission, fearing the devastating impact of presenting only a cold medal.

Yan Poyue took Lu Xiao Tian's notebook, signifying his understanding and acceptance of the task. Qin Feng granted Yan Poyue an extended leave, instructing him to focus on writing the letter in Lu Xiao Tian's handwriting, and then to take a trip and do whatever he needed to process his emotions. Yan Poyue began reading Lu Xiao Tian's personal notebook, titled "Lu's Legend: My Diary of Success as a Soldier, to My Descendants and Admirers."

He found an entry from September 1st, where Lu Xiao Tian described his joy upon receiving his enlistment letter, his father's proud celebration, and his own ambition to earn more honors, believing that "people must have a dream." Yan Poyue smiled, recognizing Lu Xiao Tian's characteristic optimism. Another entry from September 5th recounted his first day in the army, meeting "Super Psycho King" and "two wild donkeys" – Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie – who enthusiastically ran extra kilometers.

Lu Xiao Tian also humorously described his delight at being assigned to the kitchen squad, where he could avoid grueling training and enjoy good food, despite some unpleasant tasks like dumping swill and cutting onions. Later entries detailed his first experience with life and death during a dangerous incident, expressing his admiration for Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie's bravery. He also wrote about learning slingshot with Yan Poyue and their joint victory in a kitchen squad cooking competition.

Reading these entries, full of Lu Xiao Tian's vibrant and mischievous personality, overwhelmed Yan Poyue with grief, making it difficult for him to breathe. The public security bureau sent a letter commending Yan Poyue's courageous actions and awarding him a Second-Class Merit. Qin Feng decided to withhold this information for a few days, viewing it as a psychological consolation that could wait.

Lv Tu confronted Qin Feng about giving Yan Poyue Lu Xiao Tian's diary and tasking him with writing the letter, arguing it was inappropriate and akin to "ripping his wounds open over and over again," fearing Yan Poyue would have a breakdown and needed counseling. Qin Feng firmly believed that if Yan Poyue couldn't overcome this emotional hurdle, he would never become a true Cheetah.

He asserted that Yan Poyue needed to internalize the preciousness of comrades and the pain of loss for his growth, making Lu Xiao Tian's sacrifice more meaningful. Qin Feng also mentioned his plan to grant Yan Poyue a long break after the letter was written, allowing him to process his emotions. Leng Jing also voiced her concern, agreeing with Lv Tu that Qin Feng's method was too harsh, especially since this was Yan Poyue's first experience with losing a comrade.

However, Qin Feng remained unswayed, stating that everyone has a "first time" and implying they need to grow up. Overwhelmed by grief and memories, Yan Poyue rushed out and ran furiously. Guo Xiaoxiao followed him, observing his frantic pace and irregular breathing. She caught up and ran alongside him, despite having sprained her knee ligament earlier, eventually persuading him to stop. She offered him her water bottle, which contained flat cola, explaining that it was Leng Bing's favorite drink.

Guo Xiaoxiao shared her own experience after Leng Bing's death, describing the suffocating pain and her struggle to express it. She told Yan Poyue that there was no need to "get over it," because fallen comrades are never truly gone; they remain present, their habits becoming one's own, their presence always felt on the battlefield or training ground. This conversation provided Yan Poyue with a new perspective, making him feel enlightened.

Inspired by Guo Xiaoxiao's words, Yan Poyue meticulously wrote the letter to Lu Xiao Tian's father, perfectly mimicking his friend's handwriting and cheerful, ambitious tone. The letter explained that Lu Xiao Tian had received a sudden order for a mission just before his discharge, delaying his return, and expressed his continued desire to become a hero and make his family proud.

Qin Feng had already granted Yan Poyue an extended leave, and after his conversation with Cao Ben, Yan Poyue decided to go home. Cao Ben approached Yan Poyue, encouraging him to go home and visit his parents, reminding him that he too was still grappling with loss and hadn't fully recovered, and that living on was crucial, not just for himself but for his loved ones. Thanking Cao Ben, Yan Poyue packed his bags and headed home.

Upon his arrival, a delighted Aunt Pei, a neighbor, welcomed him warmly. However, his father was initially stern, questioning the unusual timing of his leave and suspecting he might have caused trouble. Aunt Pei quickly intervened, ushering his father into the kitchen. After dinner, Yan Poyue, still visibly distressed, retreated to his room.

Later, his father revealed to Aunt Pei that he had already called the unit and learned the truth: Yan Poyue had earned a Second-Class Merit for his bravery in defusing a bomb, but tragically, a comrade, a boy a year younger who had just been discharged, had died due to the bomb's improper handling. Realizing the depth of Yan Poyue's pain, his father later found him and quietly invited him to drink together.

Episode 35 Recap

Yan Poyue's father joined him in his room with some wine, remarking that the military was strict about drinking outside of holidays or at home, but they could share a drink there. Yan Poyue took a gulp and confessed his confusion to his father. He had always strived to be the strongest soldier, following his father's advice, but now his leader told him everything he believed in was wrong, and he felt lost.

His best comrade, Lu Xiaotian, had sacrificed himself because of him, despite having already been discharged and able to return home. Yan Poyue shared that he had spent the last week reading Lu Xiaotian's diary, re-learning about him, and realized Lu Xiaotian had always considered him his best friend. Yet, Yan Poyue felt he had no friends, only thinking of himself. He questioned if he was unworthy of friendship or anyone's kindness.

His father consoled him, saying that some things, once happened, could not be changed no matter how much one grieved. He recalled when Yan Poyue was kidnapped, he couldn't return home to save him because he was on a mission, despite his desperate desire to go. He had to wait for the military's resolution.

When he finally saw Yan Poyue again, his heart was filled with terror and lingering fear, thinking how a child needed his father most, but his father wasn't there. He confessed that as a father, he had failed. He had wanted to hug Yan Poyue, but instead, he had chosen to avoid facing his own failures. So, he pushed Yan Poyue to become so strong he wouldn't need anyone's protection.

He now realized his mistake, acknowledging that while Yan Poyue became powerful and needed no one, that also meant no one needed him. As dawn broke, his father suggested they seek an answer together. They journeyed to the cellar where Yan Poyue had been held captive years ago. It was a place of pain he could never forget. Upon re-entering, the childhood shadow returned.

Yan Poyue recounted that he had often dreamt of it as a dark, inescapable maze, a place he could never climb out of. But upon returning, he found the space surprisingly small; he could easily climb out. His father explained that maturity has two marks: you can still love what you loved but not need to possess it, and you can still be afraid of what terrified you, but now you can face it.

Yan Poyue thanked his father, feeling a breakthrough, and prepared to return to his unit. Aunt Pei, Yan Poyue's stepmother, busily packed homemade preserved meat sausages and beef sauce, his childhood favorites, for him to take back. She also gently tried to reconcile the father and son. Yan Poyue thanked her for caring for his father and the home in his absence. Aunt Pei revealed that his father missed him deeply and encouraged him to call more often.

Yan Poyue promised to call both his father and her. He then asked if she blamed him for an incident in the past. Aunt Pei denied it, sharing that she had always treated him as her own son. Yan Poyue revealed that he had been motherless since he was young, and when his father introduced them, he was overjoyed to finally have a mother after Aunt Pei embraced him.

However, his kidnapping caused her to miscarry, and she could never have children of her own. He admitted he didn't dislike her; he just didn't know how to face her. Aunt Pei reassured him, and he tearfully called her "Mum," finally resolving their long-standing emotional barrier. Meanwhile, the higher-ups announced that the Cheetah Commando would send an elite unit to participate in the 12th Warriors International Special Unit Contest. Leng Jing had been diligently training Guo Xiaoxiao, often staying late.

Qin Feng noticed her dedication, sensing her concern that Guo Xiaoxiao might not qualify. Leng Jing admitted a personal bias, explaining that as the only female soldier in the Cheetah Commando, she understood the immense difficulty for a woman to succeed there, hence her extra care. Qin Feng remarked that Leng Jing seemed to have encased herself in a thick shell, doing everything without emotion, and urged her to break free to live a new life.

In another development, Xiao Fei returned to the Red Scorpion, his undercover identity drawing suspicion from A Tai. A Tai questioned how he managed to cross the tight border security. Xiao Fei retorted, pointing out A Tai's stupidity in planting a bomb in a public square rather than a locker, leading to a Chinese soldier's death and a wanted notice with only A Tai's picture. Xing Tian ordered them to fight, declaring the winner's words would be the truth.

Xiao Fei easily defeated A Tai but refused to kill him, stating he only killed for money, not without reason. This action seemingly cleared his name within the organization. Upon Yan Poyue's return from leave, Qin Feng immediately assembled the unit and announced the four candidates for the Warriors International Special Unit Contest: Bai Long, Yue Kong, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Xiao Yun Jie. Yan Poyue's name was notably absent from the list.

Qin Feng stressed that the chosen team would represent the Chinese military and only an overall championship would be considered a victory. That night, Yan Poyue approached Qin Feng, not to contest his exclusion, but to request a role in supporting the chosen team, offering to be a sparring partner or work in logistics. Qin Feng, surprised by his changed demeanor, agreed and assigned him to the logistics management department, instructing the department to observe him closely.

The next day, Yan Poyue reported to logistics, where he began cleaning guns. Guo Xiaoxiao, during her training, expressed her indignation to Leng Jing, feeling that Yan Poyue was being unfairly punished for the bomb incident, which she saw as an emergency where he had done his best. Leng Jing clarified that Yan Poyue had voluntarily requested the transfer to logistics, which Guo Xiaoxiao initially found hard to believe, knowing his pride.

However, she mused that such a proud person, living in his own world, would only find his own way out of this difficult period. Later, Xiao Yun Jie visited Yan Poyue, finding him maintaining firearms. Yan Poyue shared his evolving perspective, reflecting on his past belief that he was a "bullet" meant for shooting and killing. He now understood that he was a "faulty" bullet, unsuitable for any gun, and forcing it would only harm his comrades.

He wished to be a "gunstock" instead. He admitted to being too tense in the past, viewing "fearless and fight together," the Cheetah's vows, as empty words. But now, he realized they were true, and comrades were the most important. Xiao Yun Jie noted Yan Poyue's newfound maturity, and Yan Poyue requested more time to reflect and prepare himself. Xiao Yun Jie affirmed his unwavering support, saying that no matter what happened, they would always be good brothers.

Guo Xiaoxiao, having quietly overheard their heartfelt conversation from outside, touched her fist to the door in a gesture of solidarity before departing with a sense of relief. Leng Jing continued to put the selected candidates through rigorous training. She emphasized that a firearm should be treated as their "other half." She observed Xiao Yun Jie's playful comments and made him run 10 kilometers with his "other half" before returning to the shooting range.

During a shooting session, one candidate blamed poor visibility due to rain for a missed target. Leng Jing, alongside another officer who had participated in a previous Warriors International Special Unit Contest, reiterated the importance of rapidly adjusting to changing conditions. They shared that in real combat and in these international competitions, there are no perfect environments, only unforeseen challenges. They stressed that soldiers must adapt to the environment, not expect the environment to adapt to them, to achieve victory.

During a sparring session, Guo Xiaoxiao defeated a former national Sanda champion. The champion, seemingly trying to save face, blamed the slippery floor and then insisted on sparring with Yan Poyue, who was responsible for cleaning the area as part of his logistics duties. Despite Lv Tu and Xiao Yun Jie's attempts to intervene, Yan Poyue stepped forward, stating that being a sparring partner was also part of his logistics support duties.

Episode 36 Recap

Yan Poyue engaged in a sparring match with Sun Jiacheng. Despite Sun Jiacheng's taunts about his skills, Yan Poyue quickly admitted defeat, a stark contrast to his usual defiant nature. Bai Long observed that this was simply a necessary period of adjustment, much like his own experience in the past. Guo Xiaoxiao and Xiao Yun Jie were worried about Yan Poyue, especially after he seemed to give up an opportunity to prove himself.

However, Xiao Yun Jie assured her that he understood Yan Poyue, and if Yan Poyue did not want to assert himself, no amount of persuasion would help. Guo Xiaoxiao, still distracted by her concerns for Yan Poyue, performed poorly during training. When confronted by Leng Jing, Guo Xiaoxiao pleaded for her to speak to Qin Feng about letting Yan Poyue join the contest as a reserve player, emphasizing it was out of "comrade-like concern."

Leng Jing, however, sternly warned Guo Xiaoxiao that distractions, including emotional ones, were unacceptable during training, or she would be the next one eliminated. Later, Leng Jing and Lu Tu met with Qin Feng, reporting Yan Poyue’s recent steady performance and suggesting that keeping him in logistics was a waste of talent.

Leng Jing urged Qin Feng to consider letting Yan Poyue gain experience as a reserve player, but Qin Feng maintained that Yan Poyue was still young and he would make arrangements once his personal issues were resolved.

Qin Feng announced that Leng Jing and Lu Tu would lead the team for the International Special Unit Contest, and Lu Tu then announced the official roster: Bai Long (designated as team leader), Yue Kong, Guo Xiaoxiao, Xiao Yun Jie, Gao Liqiang, Wang Yi, Liu Yu, and Gao Tengfei. Sun Jiacheng, named as a reserve player, openly challenged Qin Feng's decision, citing his strong individual scores.

Qin Feng immediately engaged Sun Jiacheng in a fierce sparring session, swiftly defeating him to underscore his philosophy: the "Cheetah Commando" values the strongest team, not the strongest individual. He stressed that a powerful individual who lacks teamwork could jeopardize the entire squad, emphasizing the motto: "Be fearless and fight side by side!" Xiao Yun Jie approached Yan Poyue, frustrated that even Sun Jiacheng was a reserve while Yan Poyue was left out.

Yan Poyue, however, calmly explained that he had grown more peaceful, finding contentment in supporting his comrades through logistics. He felt he now truly understood what it meant to be a comrade, ready to do anything for his teammates. He urged Xiao Yun Jie to focus on his own preparation, as he was the least experienced contestant, and offered his detailed notes on foreign special forces.

Xiao Yun Jie, though saddened by Yan Poyue's lack of fight, eventually agreed to focus on the competition. That night, as the team prepared for departure, Yue Kong called home, promising to return for Chinese New Year; Bai Long gazed at old photos of himself and Xiang Fei; Guo Xiaoxiao continued her extra training; and Xiao Yun Jie penned a letter to Xia Li.

Despite numerous appeals to Qin Feng on Yan Poyue's behalf, Yan Poyue himself showed no outward desire to compete. When Qin Feng questioned him, Yan Poyue presented extensive research he had compiled on the competition area, detailing weather, local customs, and even medical conditions—information he translated word-by-word using Baidu. Qin Feng tested his resolve by offering him the final spot in the overseas logistics team.

Yan Poyue's immediate and emotionless response, "I obey the command," led Qin Feng to decide against sending him, instructing him instead to await their victorious return. Leng Jing and Lu Tu once again confronted Qin Feng, but he explained that Yan Poyue, despite his immense individual potential, needed more rigorous tempering and to understand that missed opportunities cannot be reclaimed, just like life itself. Only by facing such a loss would Yan Poyue truly cherish future chances.

Later, news arrived that Yue Kong and Guo Xiaoxiao had secured first place in the sniping event at the International Special Unit Contest, though the team had missed the overall championship. Qin Feng called Yan Poyue, who was in the armory, to discuss the results. Reviewing the battle terrain map, Yan Poyue swiftly analyzed the tactical blunders, accurately describing the opposing teams, Country A (swift, frontal assault but poor stamina) and Country B (nicknamed "Hyena," sneaky, opportunistic).

His insights led Qin Feng to express regret for not having sent him to compete. Yan Poyue, in an uncharacteristic display of humility, attributed his analysis to prior research and emphasized his belief in his comrades, affirming his commitment to "unity of action." Soon after, the public security department requested Cheetah Commando's assistance in apprehending Shu Hai, a major drug lord in Southern Yunnan. Qin Feng specifically called Yan Poyue to the briefing.

Yan Poyue's subsequent analysis of Shu Hai was insightful: identifying him as a cunning individual, a wolf in sheep's clothing who appeared innocent but had a violent past as a blaster, accustomed to firearms and explosives. Shu Hai operated a vast criminal network, dealing in both drugs and firearms, and was known for using adopted underage girls as human shields.

Qin Feng announced that he would lead Squad Seven on this dangerous mission and instructed Yan Poyue to join the squad. When Yan Poyue asked why he was being brought along, Qin Feng joked that he didn't want Yan Poyue to "get mouldy" in the armory. Qin Feng authorized lethal force against armed resistance. Qin Feng and Yan Poyue, dressed in plain clothes, embarked on a reconnaissance mission in the border village of Southern Yunnan.

At a local restaurant, the owner engaged them in conversation, subtly probing their identities and purpose. Qin Feng skillfully deflected, claiming to be tourists from Chengdu, while Yan Poyue feigned illness to avoid speaking. As they walked through the village, they noticed the locals were wary and unfriendly, often closing doors as they passed.

Stopping for tea, Yan Poyue shared his observations: the villagers' cautious behavior, the contrast between the village's poverty and its burgeoning commercial street, and the idle youth contributing to a pervasive sense of restlessness. Qin Feng pointed to a heavily fortified three-story building in the distance—Shu Hai’s residence. He elaborated on its defenses: double iron fences topped with razor wire, visibly electrified by solar panels and a wind generator, and surrounded by intersecting CCTV cameras, leaving no blind spots.

Qin Feng explained that Shu Hai deliberately flaunted wealth, like his pristine Porsche, to entice local youths into his illicit trade, turning the indebted villagers into his protective shield. This elaborate human network was why Squad Seven remained hidden in the mountains. Qin Feng revealed Shu Hai's one predictable pattern: a monthly visit to a mountain temple on the first day of the lunar month, which was the following day.

He concluded that his day's reconnaissance was to assess the villagers' allegiance, as they could only target Shu Hai, not the civilians, and needed to avoid an "unexpected incident" if the full force entered the village.

Episode 37 Recap

Shu Hai, accompanied by his adopted daughter Wei Wei and a group of thugs, prepared to leave his residence. Before setting out, Shu Hai instructed Wei Wei to fasten her bag tightly. On the way, Shu Hai, superstitious upon seeing a snake, believed it was an unlucky omen and decided to turn back. However, Yan Poyue emerged, introducing himself as "Yan Poyue, Yan as in the prodigal Yan Qing, Po means destroyer, Yue as in Yue Fei."

Shu Hai immediately pulled Wei Wei in front of him as a shield, while his men stood defensively. Yan Poyue quickly deduced that Wei Wei was not Shu Hai's biological daughter and warned the thugs to leave, stating that their offenses wouldn't lead to a death sentence, unlike Shu Hai's, and urging them to let him and Shu Hai settle the matter alone. Fearful, the thugs fled.

Shu Hai then attempted to bribe and threaten Yan Poyue, revealing a bomb in Wei Wei's backpack and showing him the remote control. He offered to abandon drug dealing and leave Wei Wei if Yan Poyue let him go, even trying to tempt him with over 200 kilograms of gold he had accumulated.

Yan Poyue, unfazed, calmly stated that his mission was either to capture or kill Shu Hai, with no other options, and mocked Shu Hai for threatening a child. He then revealed that the teddy bear he carried contained a signal jammer, rendering Shu Hai's remote useless.

After explaining the jammer's technical specifications (315 AM wireless mode, AM modulation, operating frequencies of 355 MHz and 433 MHz, current emission 2-10 mA), Yan Poyue swiftly disarmed Shu Hai, grabbed Wei Wei, and secured Shu Hai. He then promised Wei Wei he would take her back to her mother.

However, as Yan Poyue attempted to leave with Shu Hai and Wei Wei, the villagers, led by their patriarch who claimed to have watched Shu Hai grow up, blocked their path with weapons, demanding Shu Hai's release. Yan Poyue became enraged, asking if they had any conscience or could distinguish good from evil.

He acknowledged their poverty and harsh living conditions, but vehemently argued that it did not justify engaging in drug production and trafficking, which ruined countless families and was a capital offense in any era. He pointed out that while neighboring villages were developing, Shu Family Village was stagnant due to this "rotten apple" (Shu Hai) who exploited their greed with small favors, turning them into his unwitting protectors.

Yan Poyue challenged them, asking why they couldn't use their courage and determination for honest work instead of risking their lives for a dirty business. The villagers, eventually swayed by his words, made way. Upon Yan Poyue's return with Shu Hai, Qin Feng was relieved and somewhat surprised that he was unharmed. Qin Feng interrogated him, asking if he was a negotiator or could take on 200 men alone, and criticized him for putting himself and Wei Wei at risk.

Yan Poyue revealed his hidden strategy: he had concealed the bomb he seized from Shu Hai in his bag, ready to brandish it and claim it was a timed device if the villagers had become truly violent. He explained that the villagers were not inherently bad people, but their extreme poverty made them susceptible to dreams of quick wealth, blurring their sense of right and wrong.

Qin Feng acknowledged this, admitting that such human weakness is often exploited, much like Shu Hai did, and even Yan Poyue himself, by taking such risks. Qin Feng expressed that he previously wouldn't have trusted Yan Poyue for Squad Nine if he only sought personal victory, but now he could. With his individual assessment complete, Yan Poyue was ordered to return to team training.

Back at the Cheetah base, Yan Poyue was greeted by his returning teammates, Xiao Yun Jie, Yue Kong, and Guo Xiaoxiao, who had just finished an overseas competition. They playfully teased him about his "small-time" mission, where he "didn't even fire a shot" or get a scratch, contrasting it with their intense competition. Yan Poyue congratulated Yue Kong and Guo Xiaoxiao on their first-place win in shooting, although Guo Xiaoxiao lamented their failure to secure the team championship.

Later, Qin Feng mused that while obedient soldiers are easy to manage, they lack the potential for true greatness. He asserted that individuals like Yan Poyue, with both prominent strengths and weaknesses, possess limitless possibilities for future development. Qin Feng admitted that Yan Poyue initially "irked" him, but for the long-term goals of the Cheetah, he had to learn to appreciate him. With Yan Poyue's "problem" resolved, Qin Feng redirected focus to Squad Seven's training.

Meanwhile, Wei Wei, who had been abducted three years prior, had developed a severe psychological dependency on Shu Hai. She had been confined in a dark room and only allowed to see him every three days to receive food and briefly leave, leading to a profound attachment. Now back with her family, she refused to communicate with them and occasionally became hysterical. Wei Wei expressed a strong desire to see Yan Poyue.

After numerous reports through various military and public security channels, Qin Feng drove Yan Poyue to the hospital. Yan Poyue brought a large teddy bear and gently tried to engage Wei Wei, peeling an orange for her. Wei Wei, shyly, presented him with a card that read, "I like you. I want to be your bride when I grow up."

Yan Poyue smiled and, in response, made a pinky promise with her, asking her to be a good, healthy girl and cooperate with her doctors. He promised to keep her card. Further intelligence gathered from Shu Hai's interrogation by public security revealed a major cross-border armed drug trafficking operation planned by the Red Scorpion organization for early next month. The operation was significant in scale and would be personally escorted by Red Scorpion's leader, Xing Tian.

This presented a crucial opportunity to capture Xing Tian and seize a massive quantity of drugs. During a meeting, Xing Tian discussed with a subordinate how their new drug-growing land promised double the yield, but lamented the difficulty of shipping it. He expressed his belief that there was a mole within Red Scorpion and planned to "send him to die" during this operation.

He stated that a new path for transport had been established, and he would personally oversee the shipment. Miya, a close associate, insisted on accompanying him, promising to ensure his safe return. Qin Feng briefed the Cheetah team, detailing the operation. He explained that recent tight border security had led to a huge backlog of drugs in the hands of foreign traffickers, who were now desperate to offload them.

Red Scorpion had united several major drug trafficking groups to form a large, formidable joint transport team, potentially including veteran mercenaries, to dump tons of drugs into China via the dense jungle. Qin Feng instructed his team not to engage with excessive firepower upon initial contact but to let the enemy enter the jungle.

Once inside, they were to employ their specialized jungle warfare tactics, "striking like a cheetah on all sides," to "tear off a piece of flesh from the enemy's body" with every attack, bleeding them out until they were weakened for a final assault. Qin Feng emphasized his paramount goal: not just victory, but for every single team member to return alive.

The plan also noted that an undercover officer would participate in the drug transport and wear specific clothing for identification. The Cheetah team then deployed and waited for seven days along a side road of the Tea Horse Road, near the Ziyin Mountain pass, their expected route for the drug traffickers. Yan Poyue, while on lookout with Xiao Yun Jie, confirmed their high certainty of the enemy's chosen path. Yue Kong also remained vigilant with Guo Xiaoxiao.

On the enemy's side, Lai, the leader of the drug convoy, reassured his nervous subordinate, Xiao Fei, who was uneasy about meeting armed police, by saying he never knew "how to spell the word scare." As the convoy neared Ziyin Mountain pass, Lai halted, citing the location as an ideal ambush spot. To test for an ambush, Lai initiated "reconnaissance by fire" by opening fire into the pass.

Despite the initial shelling, all Cheetah members, including Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Guo Xiaoxiao, Yue Kong, Xu Yang, Mu Qing, and Bai Long, reported being safe. Lai then stalled again, claiming his shoe was loose, a tactic to lure the Cheetah into revealing themselves. A Cheetah report confirmed ten targets, with no undercover markings. Qin Feng gave the order to fire, and the Cheetah team opened up on the drug traffickers.

Xiao Fei urged Lai to retreat, but Lai revealed his true intent: they were not there to deliver goods, as the real shipment was with Xing Tian. Their actual mission was to eliminate Cheetah. The traffickers quickly responded with a devastating mortar barrage. Xiao Yun Jie immediately screamed for Yan Poyue to run, warning him about the mortar fire.

As the shelling intensified, Xiao Yun Jie sustained severe injuries, Bai Long was buried under debris, and Yue Kong's position erupted in flames, a sacrifice he made to protect Guo Xiaoxiao. Guo Xiaoxiao, witnessing the chaos and her comrades falling, hysterically looked into the distance, tearfully stood her ground, and began bravely shooting down several incoming mortar shells.

Yan Poyue desperately tried to bandage Xiao Yun Jie, who kept shouting at him to leave and save himself, explaining that the enemy were expert mortar operators and that both Squad Nine and the narcotics team would be wiped out if Yan Poyue didn't act. Ignoring Xiao Yun Jie's pleas, Yan Poyue silenced him and declared his intention to destroy the enemy's mortar base.

Episode 38 Recap

Yan Poyue deliberately exposed himself to enemy fire, acting as bait to locate the drug traffickers' mortar base. He called out a bearing of "201" and a shooting angle of "1380", then ordered "Shoot!" His precision with the grenade launcher, even without a tripod, stunned the enemy. " This is impossible," one enemy exclaimed, adding that no one could run so fast.

Yan Poyue quickly moved to the enemy position, launching more grenades to disrupt their operations, but also came under heavy artillery fire. Meanwhile, the tracking device used by their spy activated on another rural road. Upon receiving the report, Qin Feng immediately instructed Lv Tu to gather Squad Seven and head to the marked location. Elsewhere, Cao Ben worked frantically to revive Bai Long, who had been buried.

Performing both artificial respiration and chest compressions, Cao Ben was immensely relieved when Bai Long finally regained consciousness, expressing how much he had scared him. However, the victory came at a heavy cost. The enemy mortar base had been destroyed by Yan Poyue, but he had not returned. Worse, Yue Kong had tragically died under enemy fire. Guo Xiaoxiao, heartbroken, tearfully apologized for the loss. Cao Ben, as their captain, was overwhelmed with grief.

He ordered Mu Qing to tend to the wounded while he, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Xu Yang would pursue the retreating enemies. He declared that they must not let the enemies exit China's border. Despite his own simple bandaging, Xiao Yun Jie insisted he could still fight and joined the pursuit, stating, "I am your reinforcement!" As they advanced, Guo Xiaoxiao spotted a familiar special symbol on one of the enemy combatants – it was Xiao Fei. She was momentarily stunned.

During the exchange of fire, Xiao Fei tried to convince Lai that General Xing was using them as cannon fodder, warning against directly confronting the Chinese People's Armed Police. He urged Lai to retreat, emphasizing that surviving to spend money was more important than dying. With intense determination, Cao Ben proposed a "win-win" strategy to Xiao Yun Jie: Xiao Yun Jie would be responsible for long-range shooting while three others provided cover.

Cao Ben himself held a machine gun steady for Xiao Yun Jie to get a more accurate shot, despite bleeding from his ears. He was determined not to let the drug traffickers escape, ignoring his teammates' pleas to stop, his face covered in dust and blood, as if numb. He simply kept repeating, "Shoot them! Hurry! They'll run away if we don't shoot them now!"

When the battle ended, Xiao Yun Jie finally relaxed his grip on his weapon, but Cao Ben remained frozen, still clutching his gun, his eyes fixed on the horizon, his teammates trying to calm him down. Among the severe casualties on the drug traffickers' side, only Xiao Fei and Lai remained, fleeing in haste. They soon discovered an unconscious Yan Poyue. Xiao Fei immediately stopped Lai, arguing, "He's a Chinese soldier. He's more valuable alive than dead."

He convinced Lai to bring Yan Poyue back to give General Xing an explanation, especially after so many of their own men had died. Back at base, Cao Ben was rushed to surgery, suffering from a concussion, internal organ damage, and ruptured eardrums. Doctors informed the team that while his life was out of danger, his hearing might never recover. Meanwhile, the team realized the "drugs" they had intercepted were merely flour.

This wasn't a drug shipment; it was a deliberate trap set to ambush them. Guo Xiaoxiao, still distraught over Yue Kong's sacrifice and clinging to her rifle, anxiously searched for Yan Poyue, but he was nowhere to be found. She privately reported to Qin Feng about the spy, revealing that she recognized him from the "Cheetah's selection" where he and Yan Poyue were from the same unit, and Qin Feng himself had eliminated him in the final round.

Qin Feng was shocked to learn it was Xiao Fei, whose excellent military record he knew well, but whom he had disqualified for harming a comrade to win. Guo Xiaoxiao voiced her growing suspicions, questioning if Xiao Fei was still on their side, especially since the intel proved to be a trap and he had actively fired at them during the recent engagement. She worried about Yan Poyue's fate if he fell into Xiao Fei's hands.

Despite Yan Poyue's disappearance, the operation was deemed a success, severely crippling the drug trafficking organizations and preventing large-scale cross-border operations for the foreseeable future. Qin Feng informed Deputy Director Ding about Yan Poyue's disappearance, and Ding promised to contact their internal contacts for a full rescue operation if he had been captured. Meanwhile, back at his compound, General Xing was furious about the loss of his men, including Nan Da, and the failure of the operation.

Xiao Fei initially confronted General Xing, accusing him of using them as cannon fodder. General Xing, in turn, angrily demanded to know how Xiao Fei and Lai survived the operation, given so many of his men had died. Xiao Fei explained they survived by taking a Chinese soldier hostage, preventing the police from firing. He proudly presented the captured Yan Poyue. Yan Poyue immediately recognized Xiao Fei but remained silent.

General Xing, suspecting a spy among his ranks due to their predictable routes, aimed his gun at Xiao Fei, demanding Yan Poyue help him identify the mole. To deflect suspicion, Xiao Fei immediately turned on Yan Poyue, insulting him and accusing him of dragging him down with him even at death's door. Hearing Yan Poyue's name, General Xing became excited, recognizing it from a previous encounter on a rainy night involving a radio.

Xiao Fei admitted knowing Yan Poyue, confirming he was a former Chinese People's Armed Police officer from the same unit. He spun a tale of jealousy, claiming Yan Poyue constantly sabotaged him, took his credit, and even cost him his girlfriend and a spot in the Cheetah commando, making him a mercenary who only cares about money. General Xing, still unconvinced, ordered Xiao Fei to kill Yan Poyue.

Xiao Fei theatrically described how he would torture Yan Poyue before killing him, but Yan Poyue defiantly put his head against the gun barrel, calling Xiao Fei a "deserter" and urging him to "Do it!" Just as Xiao Fei hesitated, a subordinate intervened, reminding General Xing that a Chinese soldier's life was valuable, more so than their mercenaries, and could be used as leverage for negotiations with the Chinese government.

Xiao Fei's act of saving Lai on the battlefield earned him Lai's temporary trust. Yan Poyue was then confined in a water prison. General Xing brought him some milk, stating it was "produced in China" and that he'd only give him enough to "ensure your survival while making sure that you won't have enough energy to escape."

Yan Poyue defiantly stated that his life was dedicated to "arrest drug traffickers like you guys," and that he only knew he was a Chinese soldier and General Xing was a drug trafficker. General Xing revealed his own parents were drug traffickers, explaining his life's path and how he had to make the most of his "wretched life."

He hoped Yan Poyue would "cherish his good life" and cooperate by speaking on camera about their difficult lives to gain international attention. Yan Poyue remained defiant. General Xing mentioned that special forces undergo torture training but warned that real torture was beyond imagination, then announced no milk for tomorrow. Later, Xiao Fei secretly acquired a dagger and submerged himself in the water to rescue Yan Poyue, promising to get him out of there.

Episode 39 Recap

Late at night, Xiao Fei, holding a stolen dagger, infiltrated the water prison to rescue Yan Poyue. Despite his personal disdain for Yan Poyue, he found himself envious, but mostly grateful to still be a Chinese soldier. He told Yan Poyue that he had unlocked the fence, and the rest was up to him. As Xiao Fei helped Yan Poyue, they extended their fists and exchanged their traditional pledge: "Dispatch me in the first battle, victory will be assured."

The following day, a dagger belonging to Xin Min was discovered on one of Xing Tian's men. Lai immediately confronted Xin Min, questioning why his dagger was on his brother and how it could have ended up with Yan Poyue. Xin Min vehemently denied any involvement, claiming he had no idea and suggesting Lai might have planted it to frame him.

Xin Min further accused Yan Poyue, stating he should have killed him earlier, which prompted Xing Tian to reflect on who had previously prevented Yan Poyue's death. When asked who he thought was responsible, Xin Min pointed directly at Xiao Fei, declaring him a Chinese armed police officer and an undercover agent. Xiao Fei calmly retorted that he was the one who captured Yan Poyue, making it illogical for him to then help him escape.

Before further arguments, Mia shot and killed Xin Min. Despite Xin Min's death, Xing Tian's suspicion lingered. He directly asked both Xiao Fei and Lai why an undercover agent would go to such lengths to bring Yan Poyue back alive. Lai reminded Xing Tian of his own teaching: "Life is worth more alive than dead." Xing Tian acknowledged this, telling them they had passed his test and dismissed them.

However, as Xiao Fei walked away, Xing Tian muttered that the gun he had given Xiao Fei the previous day was unloaded, implying he knew Xiao Fei was aware of it and that his suspicion remained. Back at Cheetah, Yan Poyue participated in the solemn memorial for their fallen comrade, Yue Kong. A speaker acknowledged the brutal and cunning nature of the criminals they faced, but reiterated their unwavering responsibility to combat drug trafficking.

The speaker emphasized how Cheetah's soldiers had ceaselessly fought in the jungles, terrifying criminals and proving the Chinese People's Armed Police Force to be an unbeatable power, before saluting all martyrs. Yan Poyue reflected on his commitment to the nation and its people, acknowledging that in critical moments, they would never retreat, but rather, unite in despair to forge a path to survival and grow stronger.

Guo Xiaoxiao was summoned by Qin Feng and Leng Jing, knowing they intended to assign her a new spotter. She firmly refused, stating her preference to work alone and requesting that, if they truly cared for her well-being, they would not assign anyone to her. Qin Feng explained that while snipers are powerful, they are also vulnerable, and a partner ensures mutual support in unexpected situations.

However, Guo Xiaoxiao tragically recounted that everyone who tried to protect her, like Leng Bing and Yue Kong, had died. She insisted she couldn't bear another sacrifice and was only fit to fight alone, pleading for their approval. Qin Feng, understanding that assigning a spotter now would only increase her stress, temporarily agreed to her request. Leng Jing, though concerned about regulations, decided to speak with Guo Xiaoxiao privately later.

Guo Xiaoxiao then presented Leng Jing with a scarf, explaining that she had knitted it for Leng Bing, who had always wanted to give it to Leng Jing for her birthday. Guo Xiaoxiao expressed her sorrow at fulfilling Leng Bing's wish this way. She confided that after Leng Bing's death, she felt like a Lone Wolf. She had hoped to change after joining Cheetah, but Yue Kong's sacrifice had struck her with renewed fear.

She felt it was her destiny to be without a partner, lamenting that she couldn't even say a proper goodbye to those she fought alongside. Leng Jing assured her that Leng Bing and Yue Kong died in battle and it was not her fault. Guo Xiaoxiao, however, wished she had been the one to die.

Leng Jing then took the scarf and gently draped it around Guo Xiaoxiao, telling her that if Leng Bing could, she would still choose to protect Guo Xiaoxiao, as their bond was an exchange of life and fearless courage. Meanwhile, at the memorial, Bai Long cried tears of grief beside Cao Ben, whose severe injuries had rendered him unable to hear.

Bai Long tearfully confronted him, asking why he had to use himself as a shooting tripod, expressing his pain over Cao Ben's irreversible ear damage and inability to return to the battlefield. Putting a hearing aid on Cao Ben, Bai Long apologized for not participating in the Cobra Operation and failing to protect Xiang Fei, for which he had wrongly blamed Cao Ben.

Cao Ben, now able to hear, responded that it wasn't Bai Long's fault, explaining that Xiang Fei was their elder brother and a soldier who did what a captain should do. Bai Long solemnly declared that Cao Ben would always be the captain of Team Nine. When Cao Ben lamented that he could no longer go to the battlefield, Bai Long promised to go in his stead and bring everyone back alive, affirming their unbreakable brotherhood.

Red Scorpion suffered significant losses, particularly after Xing Tian killed Deputy Officer Li, causing many of his men to flee. This made recruitment challenging for the organization. Xing Tian dismissed concerns from his subordinates about their dwindling numbers, asserting they would recruit from more distant villages if necessary. He then announced a horrifying new recruitment strategy: targeting children, anyone capable of holding a gun.

This led to widespread chaos in the nearby villages, where Red Scorpion forces indiscriminately captured people, killing those who couldn't be taken and destroying the evidence with explosions, including a Chinese doctor who was killed despite her pleas about International Red Cross protection. Xiao Fei questioned Lai about capturing so many children, wondering their purpose. Xing Tian, with a chilling look, explained that younger children are more useful, boasting that he himself had already killed two people at their age.

He elaborated on Kun Sheng's method of creating loyalty, describing how he would become these children's "God" by rescuing them from despair, providing food and clothes. He asserted that the younger children are, the more they will rely on and trust him, making them more lethal soldiers when they grow up. Xiao Fei visibly recoiled in disgust.

Later that night, Xiao Fei stealthily attempted to use a hidden phone to contact his superiors, but a child suddenly appeared, stating his dad told him to watch Xiao Fei, followed by Xing Tian's men. Xing Tian revealed he had activated a jammer, then confessed he had never truly trusted Xiao Fei but kept him alive because, as he often said, "Life is worth more alive than dead."

He then taunted Xiao Fei, explaining that while replacing him with a new undercover agent would be a hassle, Xiao Fei's usefulness as a human shield against Chinese retaliation (should Xiao Fei have sent evidence of Chinese casualties) was far greater.

Meanwhile, at the Chinese military intelligence headquarters, a grim update was delivered: an informant's GPS signal had been detected moving erratically, leading to the discovery of a woman's body—a border citizen abducted by Red Scorpion months prior—with their informant's locator hidden in her hair. Intelligence suggested Red Scorpion had installed a signal jammer, forcing the undercover agent to use this desperate method to relay their location.

With contact severed for twenty hours and Xiao Fei's identity as a former armed police officer turned anti-narcotics officer potentially compromised, combined with Xing Tian's possible escape, the Scorpion Capture Operation had to be accelerated. Troops were already amassed at the border for this joint operation with M Country, whose government had authorized their movement within a mutually agreed zone and pledged to block Red Scorpion's escape routes.

The mission was clear: destroy Red Scorpion and capture Xing Tian alive, bringing justice to China. Qin Feng and Lu Tu were immediately ordered to assemble Team Nine for deployment. As the helicopters lifted off, Xiao Yun Jie, still recovering from his leg injury and unable to join, saluted, hoping his comrades would return safely.

The rescue operation commenced with Qin Feng leading Cheetah, including Yan Poyue and other members of Team Nine, in an underwater infiltration of the Red Scorpion base. Guo Xiaoxiao, operating as "Tiger Claw #2" and positioned on the mountain opposite the base, confirmed Xing Tian's presence to "Tiger Head" (Qin Feng). Her team then encountered unexpected patrols, forcing them to move to a secondary sniper position, acknowledging their cover might be blown.

Inside the base, Xiao Fei was being brutally tortured, though Xing Tian had instructed his men to keep him alive. After eliminating several patrol drug dealers, Yan Poyue successfully navigated the complex layout, bypassing sentries and securing key positions. Finally, he located a severely beaten Xiao Fei. Yan Poyue initiated the identification protocol, asking for the code. A weak but clear voice from Xiao Fei responded, "Dispatch me in the first battle, victory will be assured."

Yan Poyue confirmed his identity and called for emergency medical support for Xiao Fei, assigning a team member (identified as "Three") to care for him. However, the mission immediately plunged into crisis as drone signals became jammed, and the drug dealers launched a Rocket-propelled grenade towards the team, leaving their situation unknown.

Episode 40 Recap

As the Red Scorpion launched a fierce counterattack against the Cheetah team, all enemies converged on the Cheetah team's position, prompting Cheetah to call for fire support and early interception. Xing Tian personally urged his men to attack, warning them not to let their "guests" escape. A sniper was quickly identified, and Xing Tian ordered his forces to locate the enemy marksman.

Miya, leading some of her subordinates, directed them to take a specific path, as she intended to personally deal with the enemy sniper. During the intense firefight, the Cheetah team found their only retreat path cut off. Squad members frantically called for reload and retreat, with one urgently demanding more ammo. Yan Poyue, along with others, was injured, his leg specifically mentioned in the heavy fighting, as were Bai Long and Lv Tu.

Despite being wounded, Yan Poyue exhibited immense resolve. When pinned down by enemy fire, he quickly broke through the floor, creating a water escape route, and even managed to catch a grenade thrown by the enemy. The confrontation escalated into a duel between snipers, Guo Xiaoxiao and Miya. Miya declared she would personally deal with the enemy sniper, telling Xing Tian to stay alive and await her return. Guo Xiaoxiao, in her position, had Xing Tian in her sights.

However, she recalled the mission's objective to capture Xing Tian alive for public trial, so she fired a shot to merely disrupt his movement rather than kill him. Yan Poyue was hit by enemy fire, and although protected by his bulletproof vest, he felt excruciating pain, as if his internal organs were ruptured and every bone shattered. Falling into the water, he reflected on Qin Feng never mentioning how painful being shot could be, even with a vest.

Yet, he mustered his resolve, reminding himself that as an elite special unit member of the armed police forces, whose badge represented their honor, pain alone could not defeat him. Xing Tian, sensing the Cheetah's resilience, ordered Lai to quickly find Miya, instructing them not to return to the current base after dealing with the sniper, as Cheetah reinforcements were arriving and the position was indefensible. He commanded them to rendezvous at Bangao.

Meanwhile, Guo Xiaoxiao's sniper rifle was damaged by Miya, forcing her into a direct engagement. She radioed her team, acknowledging the enemy sniper's approach and stating her intention to handle Miya despite her broken rifle. As Yan Poyue once again faced Xing Tian, the latter remarked on their apparent fate. Yan Poyue reminded Xing Tian of his promise to return and defeat him. They engaged in close-quarters combat with knives and axes.

Miya then coordinated with Lai to flank Guo Xiaoxiao, with Miya confirming their rendezvous point at Bangao after dealing with the sniper. Xing Tian taunted Yan Poyue during their struggle, asking if he was going "soft," to which Yan Poyue defiantly responded. After Yan Poyue managed to subdue Xing Tian, the latter unexpectedly pulled out a grenade. The two plunged into the water as the grenade exploded. Guo Xiaoxiao, now alone, found herself facing both Lai and Miya.

She engaged Lai in hand-to-hand combat, ultimately strangling him. Utilizing his body as bait, she lured Miya into her trap and delivered a fatal blow. Yan Poyue, meanwhile, dragged the unconscious Xing Tian ashore. He radioed Qin Feng, confirming that Target One, Xing Tian, had been captured alive and the mission was accomplished. Qin Feng ordered him to release a flare. However, Yan Poyue's radio malfunctioned, preventing him from hearing the order.

He was then ambushed by remaining drug traffickers and shot in the arm, his blood staining the lake water. With Qin Feng's immediate group running out of ammunition, and Yan Poyue, though weakened, having regained consciousness, the situation was precarious. Just then, Guo Xiaoxiao arrived with a machine gun, sweeping the area and ending the battle. The team boarded a boat, and Qin Feng detonated explosives, completely destroying the Red Scorpion's stronghold.

All the Cheetah members bore injuries, large and small, from the fierce engagement. On the boat carrying Xing Tian, he revealed to Yan Poyue that they had met long ago, over ten years prior, in a cellar. Yan Poyue was the only child who escaped, and it was Xing Tian who had called for guards. Xing Tian mused that if he had taken Yan Poyue's hand then, their lives might have turned out differently.

Yan Poyue simply replied that there are no "ifs" in life. The "Operation Scorpion" concluded with tremendous success. The Cheetah Commando had completely eradicated the Red Scorpion armed drug trafficking group, delivering a fatal blow to international drug organizations and safeguarding national security and people's lives. Recognizing their outstanding contributions, the military command held an awards ceremony. Qin Feng received a First-Class Merit award and was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel as Deputy Detachment Captain.

Lv Tu and Leng Jing both received Second-Class Merit awards and were promoted to Major, with Lv Tu becoming the First Corps Captain and Leng Jing the First Corps Vice-Captain. Yan Poyue, Guo Xiaoxiao, Bai Long, and Xu Yang were awarded Second-Class Merit and promoted to Lieutenant. Yan Poyue, speaking on behalf of the award recipients, expressed his gratitude and said he was lucky to be standing there.

He emphasized that the military medals represented the party's trust, the armed police force's daily training and vigilance, and the countless sacrifices of their comrades. He stood there accepting the awards on behalf of the fallen, asserting that the Cheetah Commando and history would never forget them. Later that evening, Qin Feng announced a celebratory dinner for Squad Nine. However, only Xiao Yun Jie was present. Qin Feng realized the others had taken leave to visit the Martyrs' Cemetery.

There, Leng Jing and Bai Long paid respects to Xiang Fei, Guo Xiaoxiao visited Leng Bing and Yue Kong, and Yan Poyue honored Lu Xiao Tian, each placing their newly awarded military medals before their comrades' graves as a salute. Qin Feng advised his team that sacrifice is an inherent part of any battle within the Cheetah Commando, and they must learn to accept it.

To avoid such sacrifices, he urged them to strive for absolute victory – zero casualties and zero mistakes – by continually strengthening themselves. He then issued a new order: Yan Poyue, Guo Xiaoxiao, Bai Long, and Xiao Yun Jie were to be sent to the Armed Police Special Operations Academy for training, commencing the following day, to become exceptional special operations commanders. Their instructor was a familiar face: Ai Qianxue.

She had completed her postgraduate studies and was now pursuing a doctorate in Special Operations Command. Yan Poyue commented on her impressive qualifications, noting she would now be commanding them. Ai Qianxue, in turn, challenged his implied skepticism, explaining that as a researcher at the Centre for Intel and Strategy Studies, she was tasked with training and observing elite soldiers from various special units to adapt to increasingly complex anti-terrorism situations, and they were her research subjects.

Yan Poyue confidently accepted this, stating she could research him all she wanted. Ai Qianxue reminded him of his boast from Regiment 247, to become the "best version of himself." Yan Poyue, with humility, admitted that he was naive then, a "frog in the well," and now, in Cheetah, he felt he was not even among the worst. He reflected on the unit's composition: one-third battle-hardened veterans and the rest elite soldiers trained by them.

He concluded that it was through the sacrifice of their fallen comrades, the baptism of blood and death, and the sorrow of loss that the Cheetah Commando truly became a soulful force, with all who lay there being invaluable treasures of the special forces.

Ai Qianxue then explained to the new students about advanced threats, citing Yue Kong, Cheetah's best sniper, and how their opponents used infrared anti-sniper detection systems which could instantly trace a sniper's bullet trajectory and launch precise retaliatory strikes, making even the toughest soldier vulnerable.

Episode 41 Recap

Ai Qianxue began by demonstrating how advanced enemy technology, such as infrared anti-sniper detection, could track a sniper's bullet trajectory and launch a precise retaliation, rendering even the most accurate marksmanship useless. She explained that while Cheetah Commando's confidence was built through real combat, military technology was advancing rapidly. The future demanded higher education, advanced qualifications, and far-sighted special unit commanders to drive reform in Chinese special forces, allowing them to catch up with seasoned international counterparts.

She warned that if they failed to keep pace with the times, their current pride and experience would become an impediment, leading to re-evaluation or even elimination. Yan Poyue and his comrades remained defiant, with Yan Poyue challenging her to meet in class. Ai Qianxue stated her intention to deliver an important lecture the following day to clarify the reasons for potential elimination, a challenge Yan Poyue outwardly accepted with sarcasm.

During the formal lecture titled "The Age of War," Ai Qianxue illustrated the evolution of warfare from the collective strength of the Macedonian Phalanx to the firepower of hot weapons, exemplified by World War I's machine guns and World War II's mechanized tanks. She highlighted the Gulf War, where military experts underestimated the swift victory achieved by a technologically superior force, contrasting it with Yan Poyue's group, whom she likened to the "unwilling to move forward" Macedonian phalanx.

She emphasized that for China's special forces to advance, they needed high-quality soldiers to collaborate with military R&D, test new weapons and tactics, and provide data to drive high-precision development, serving as role models for the entire army. Reiterating her earlier warning, she stressed that Cheetah Commando members who couldn't adapt would face re-evaluation or elimination. Yan Poyue vocally challenged her, asserting that Cheetah's glory couldn't be dismissed by her words.

Ai Qianxue acknowledged their combat excellence but argued that as prospective special unit commanders entering a high-tech era, they might fall short of even ordinary students. Yan Poyue countered that their sacrifices and achievements were more than mere "research material" and that they would not be eliminated. Ai Qianxue then presented a French-made anti-sniper system, explaining how it could drastically increase a sniper's chances of detection, potentially ending the era of single snipers taking down hundreds of enemies.

She posed a hypothetical: what if such an advanced system, if deployed by Cheetah, broke down in the field? When a soldier mentioned repair manuals, she asked who could fix it quickly. Yan Poyue argued it was unfair if the manual was in French, and that foreigners wouldn't understand a Chinese manual. Ai Qianxue countered his assumption about foreign language skills and then projected an English manual, asking again who could understand it.

Yan Poyue admitted that while they could handle basic English, the technical language was beyond even TOEFL-level comprehension, accusing her of setting an impossible task. Ai Qianxue reminded him that Cheetah's ethos was to overcome challenges. Yan Poyue retorted that their combat skills were in a different domain. Ai Qianxue explained that as the Chinese military rapidly evolved, they would constantly encounter such cutting-edge, often foreign-sourced, equipment. Their current knowledge, she insisted, was insufficient.

Their responsibility as future commanders was to master the use, maintenance, and repair of these complex and expensive instruments, gather first-hand data during operations, provide feedback to R&D, and lead their units in adopting these new skills. Xiao Yun Jie grumbled that it was easier to be a regular soldier. Yan Poyue, escalating his defiance, sarcastically suggested arming military researchers and sending "them" to the battlefield instead of "torturing" experienced soldiers like them.

A comrade supported his underlying point, stating that even the best equipment was useless without capable operators. Yan Poyue further insinuated that Ai Qianxue, accustomed to an office, didn't understand "uneducated, unqualified, unintelligent" soldiers and underestimated the danger of their profession, implying that becoming a Cheetah required more than just physical fitness and strong will. He then sarcastically led an applause for her "history of war" lesson.

After the lecture, Qin Feng confronted Ai Qianxue, noting her deliberate provocation of the Cheetahs. Ai Qianxue admitted it was intentional, believing that anger would motivate them to understand the importance of continuous learning. She explained that their physical prowess had reached its peak, and now their minds needed to be armed, emphasizing the need for them to recognize that "there is always someone better out there."

Qin Feng agreed, lamenting that he had taught them all he knew and expressed relief at Ai Qianxue's arrival to guide them in building a powerful, modern armed police force destined for relentless progress. Ai Qianxue acknowledged the harshness of the situation for the soldiers. Qin Feng then informed her that the general headquarters had ordered a new selection in six months, based on the ongoing training at the Special Police Academy, to form a new Cheetah Commando.

As Cheetah was the elite of the armed police, Ai Qianxue had only six months to train them into "the strongest armed forces in the world." Ai Qianxue, though, felt this was too short a time. Upon their arrival at the Special Police Academy, Deputy Chancellor Lei Qi Ming welcomed them to the Operations Command Course.

He emphasized that despite their past as combat heroes, they were now students expected to master basic theory, professional knowledge, combat skills, and develop leadership qualities to become highly skilled military commanders. Instructor Ai Qianxue then distributed student manuals, urging them to quickly adapt to the new environment and their changed roles. She also informed them that her first class was scheduled for the following day and advised them to review the materials in advance.

On their way to the dorms, Xiao Yun Jie complained to Yan Poyue about Ai Qianxue's sudden strictness, recalling her friendliness at Regiment 247. Yan Poyue dismissed it as a tactic for "civilians" to assert authority over battle-hardened soldiers like themselves. He also saw the training as a mere formality, a "gold-plating" exercise, and advised against bothering with the pre-reading material, though Xiao Yun Jie countered that Qin Feng wouldn't arrange anything meaningless.

Guo Xiaoxiao confidently boasted she could easily defeat their department dean. Suddenly, a voice called Yan Poyue from an upper floor, telling him to wait. Xiao Yun Jie, intrigued, immediately introduced himself to the descending figure, Gu Meng, as Yan Poyue's close friend and comrade, claiming Yan Poyue often spoke of her.

Gu Meng, however, recognized Yan Poyue with resentment, reminding him that he had once tied her to a tree during a confrontation drill, an incident Yan Poyue vaguely recalled only when she clarified her role as a non-combatant at the time. Gu Meng, now a postgraduate student in Operations Command and therefore Yan Poyue's senior, gloated that their roles were reversed.

As Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie walked away, smirking, Gu Meng called out a warning that Yan Poyue would soon "get a taste of what it's like to be crushed." Ai Qianxue then informed the class about the strict training regimen ahead, including monthly physical and academic assessments over the next six months. Failure in any assessment would lead to immediate elimination and return to their original units, emphasizing it as the most severe test of their military careers.

Weekend leaves were cancelled for full-time training, and anyone unwilling to commit was free to leave. After the morning class, Xiao Yun Jie found Yan Poyue running and expressed his curiosity about the four incoming students, whom he hadn't found particularly impressive during the initial self-introductions of other students. Gu Meng, who was nearby, interjected, telling them to train harder to avoid early elimination. When Yan Poyue dismissed her, Gu Meng hinted that their "teachers" were about to arrive.

Intrigued, Xiao Yun Jie bought her coffee for "gossip." Gu Meng revealed that she managed the students' profiles and asserted that the most formidable among them were not in their current group, but the four new arrivals. She described them: one Captain and three Lieutenants, all with double bachelor's degrees, from the elite Second Detachment of Rapid Deployment Brigade One.

These soldiers had extensive experience in anti-terrorism missions, faced daily life-and-death situations, and had completed a year of training at the prestigious Hunter School in "W Country" with flying colors. Each was a specialist—Su Jian Fan in communication, medicine, and nutrition; Ren Xiao Chuan in weapons and explosives; and Mao Lang, an expert sniper known for his stealth and precision.

Gu Meng stressed that their own "brutal training and rich combat experience" meant nothing to these new arrivals, who routinely conducted security missions in war-torn regions and were adept at integrating the latest technology into combat. She concluded by stating that the era of competition for soldiers was over, replaced by a contest to become new commanders, again warning them to "wait to be crushed." Later that afternoon, the four new students arrived in class.

The last to introduce himself was Pei Hong Hu, from the Second Detachment of Rapid Deployment Brigade One. He declared that he had changed his name specifically for this training and wished to be called Pei Ta Yan, a name that made everyone in the room look pointedly at Yan Poyue. After receiving permission from Ai Qianxue, Pei Ta Yan approached Yan Poyue, stating he had "long heard" of him and changed his name because of him.

He provocatively offered to show his ID, then asserted that "capability, not name" was what mattered here. Pei Ta Yan then announced that if he achieved first place in the assessment six months later, he would change his name again, to Pei Mie Yan ("Pei who eliminates Yan"). Immediately, he lunged and threw Yan Poyue to the ground.

After helping Yan Poyue up, Pei Ta Yan claimed his initial throw was due to distracting Yan Poyue with words and offered to call it a draw. However, when he once again threw Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie angrily accused Pei Ta Yan of unfairly targeting Yan Poyue's injured right hand. Pei Ta Yan dismissed it, challenging Yan Poyue to try with his left.

As Xiao Yun Jie, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Bai Long stepped forward to defend Yan Poyue, he intervened, admitting defeat for the day, choosing not to engage further. Ai Qianxue observed Pei Ta Yan's aggressive "first-meeting gift" and instructed them to continue with the introductions. Meanwhile, the detachment chief discussed with Qin Feng two important matters. First, they discussed the selection of a female sniper instructor, for which Leng Jing was deemed a suitable candidate.

Qin Feng approved, noting Leng Jing's veteran status would maximize her contribution. Second, the chief explained the unique nature of this international competition, which required inter-governmental cooperation and information sharing to combat terrorism effectively, a challenge that demanded evaluation of each country's comprehensive military quality. Qin Feng considered recommending Yan Poyue's team but acknowledged that Pei Ta Yan's team, with their overseas training and experience in cross-border operations, held a significant advantage. He requested time to deliberate.

Ai Qianxue later confronted Pei Ta Yan, acknowledging his drastic measure of changing his name. Pei Ta Yan openly admitted he used extreme tactics to fulfill her mission, thanking her for providing intelligence on Yan Poyue, which allowed him to devise targeted attack plans and defeat Yan Poyue twice. He correctly inferred that Ai Qianxue intended him to be a "catfish" to keep the entire class on edge.

Ai Qianxue then asked if he could have defeated Yan Poyue a third time. Pei Ta Yan confessed that if Yan Poyue had truly engaged him again, he believed he would have been the one defeated. He explained that his previous victories relied on exploiting Yan Poyue's old injury and character flaws, and in doing so, he had exposed his own physical capabilities and combat habits. A third encounter, he concluded, would have seen Yan Poyue capitalize on this knowledge.

Ai Qianxue observed that Yan Poyue had indeed "finally grown up," a sentiment reinforced by Yan Poyue's internal reflection: he had admitted defeat to Pei Ta Yan not from weakness, but to avoid becoming a target, opting instead to "hide his brilliance and endure hardship" to find his own path in this new, challenging competition.

Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Guo Xiaoxiao, and Bai Long subsequently intensified their training, even observing and matching the heavier packs carried by Pei Ta Yan's group. During an English proficiency test, the four Cheetah members were placed in Class C.

While Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Guo Xiaoxiao had scored above 80, Ai Qianxue explained this was merely a high school level, far below Class B, and especially Class A, which included Pei Ta Yan and other highly proficient, multilingual students like Gu Meng. Bai Long, who scored a mere five points, admitted he struggled even with Pinyin. Ai Qianxue urged them to work harder, emphasizing that despite their different starting points, there was only one finish line.

In response, Yan Poyue proposed a rigorous plan: halve their physical training time to focus on academics, extend their "lights out" time by four hours for late-night study, and incorporate more fish into their diet for brainpower, likening their situation to a high-stakes college entrance exam. He rallied his comrades, declaring that as elites, they must now conquer the "twenty-six tricky, ruthless English letters" to have any chance of reaching their ultimate goal.

Episode 42 Recap

Yan Poyue rallied his C-class comrades, telling them that they faced 26 tricky, hard-to-recognize alphabets, and only by conquering them could they reach their ultimate goal. He encouraged them to unite and fight with the same fierce spirit they showed on the battlefield. Pei Ta Yan and his teammates remarked on Class C's low English scores, with the lowest being five points, which they found normal for soldiers promoted from the ranks.

However, Pei Ta Yan cautioned against underestimating them, believing that miracles could still happen among them. As everyone pushed themselves to master English, Xiao Yun Jie's distinct "Chinese English" pronunciation grated on Yan Poyue and Bai Long, while Guo Xiao Xiao used ice water to stay awake. Xiao Yun Jie suggested his unconventional study methods to Yan Poyue, who dismissed them, stating they only had six months and no time for "clever tricks."

He then noticed Bai Long, slumped asleep in his chair, acknowledging that Bai Long faced the greatest challenge of all. Leng Jing met with Qin Feng, declining the offer to become a female instructor at the All-Army Sniper Training School. Qin Feng was puzzled, highlighting her suitable qualifications and accomplishments, and urging her to consider her own future in a modern armed police force.

Leng Jing maintained that her roots were in the Cheetah Commando and she was committed to fulfilling her promises there. She instead recommended a more suitable candidate. Leng Jing then sought out Guo Xiao Xiao for a private conversation. She revealed the true nature of her shoulder injury, explaining that what she initially thought was a lucky hit from a stray bullet during a mission was, upon later analysis, a precise strike.

This incident taught her that talent and rigorous training alone were insufficient; advanced knowledge was crucial for an excellent sniper. Leng Jing shared her lifelong ambition to train one hundred outstanding snipers, noting that Guo Xiao Xiao was her fiftieth and most exceptional student. She explained that the shrapnel in her shoulder had shifted, preventing her from continuing her work, and asked Guo Xiao Xiao to take her place and fulfill this goal.

Guo Xiao Xiao, however, refused, asserting that while Leng Jing had an old injury, the instructor position truly belonged to her. Guo Xiao Xiao vehemently stated that she would not accept a "dignified departure" or a seemingly bright future if it meant compromising her integrity. She believed she could achieve both military and academic excellence through hard work, and not by giving up now, especially when she struggled with her cultural courses.

Leng Jing respected her decision, giving her more time to reconsider. In the latest monthly exam, Guo Xiao Xiao ranked fourth from the bottom, causing Yan Poyue concern. Later, at the library, Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie were struggling to translate a thesis when Gu Meng, a graduate student in combat command, sat down beside Yan Poyue. Initially annoyed, Xiao Yun Jie quickly changed his tune upon witnessing Gu Meng's impressive English, asking for her help.

Gu Meng pointed out their translation errors, clarifying that "braver" was an adjective in that context, not a noun, and quoting Ralph Waldo Emerson. She then offered to help them, and with her help, their translation efforts significantly improved. During the ten-kilometer weighted cross-country assessment, Squad One, led by Yan Poyue, requested an increased difficulty, allowing Squad Two a three-minute head start. Yan Poyue's team quickly caught up to and overtook Pei Ta Yan's squad.

However, Pei Ta Yan instructed his team to maintain their rhythm, conserve energy, and follow behind Squad One. Nearing the finish line, Pei Ta Yan's squad suddenly changed formation and sprinted ahead, with Yan Poyue and Pei Ta Yan crossing the finish line simultaneously. Tragically, Bai Long collapsed from exhaustion, having stayed up all night memorizing vocabulary.

Yan Poyue brought food to Bai Long in the infirmary, finding him frustrated and hitting his head, lamenting his perceived "stupidity" and inability to learn. Yan Poyue tried to comfort him, reminding him that he endured a gunshot wound without complaint, so he shouldn't be defeated by 26 alphabets. But Bai Long's struggle ran deeper.

He confessed to trying everything, including imported memory enhancers, sleeping only two hours a night (sometimes not at all), and studying constantly, even in the restroom, all to compensate for his lack of talent and basic knowledge. Despite his immense efforts, he couldn't even catch up to his peers after repeated attempts. As the last-ranked in cultural courses, Bai Long expressed his willingness to start from scratch, but acknowledged that time was running out.

He refused to give up but could not tolerate dragging down the Cheetah Commando, wanting to remain a proud soldier in his rightful place. He chose to apply for withdrawal. With a heavy heart, Yan Poyue could only utter, "I'm sorry." Yan Poyue informed Xiao Yun Jie and Guo Xiao Xiao of Bai Long's decision.

They chose to respect Bai Long's choice to preserve his dignity and pride, understanding that he hadn't given up, but simply ran out of time, a sentiment echoed by the accelerated development of the military. Bai Long chose to leave at night, hoping to avoid distracting his comrades from their studies. Lv Tu arrived to pick him up, feeling a sense of melancholy but assuring Bai Long that no matter where he went, he would always be their "soldier king."

Despite Bai Long's wishes, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Guo Xiao Xiao came to bid him farewell. As they stood by the roadside, reciting their original reserve unit numbers, Bai Long wept silently in the car. Later, Guo Xiao Xiao phoned Leng Jing to formally decline the sniper instructor opportunity.

She thanked Leng Jing for her care and trust, but explained that she still had much to learn and wanted to continue moving forward, not use this as an excuse to stop or relax. Leng Jing expressed her understanding and wished Guo Xiao Xiao luck. During a shooting training session, Pei Ta Yan commended Guo Xiao Xiao's impressive performance. He noted that with advancements in equipment, snipers no longer needed spotters and could operate independently.

He specifically mentioned Tracking Point's Shadow Tracks 8 sniper rifle, equipped with an intelligent Fire Control System (FCS). Pei Ta Yan explained that this rifle functioned like a computer, with cameras, memory, a CPU, and various sensors to measure all necessary parameters for long-range sniping, including wind speed, weather conditions, temperature, humidity, and the precise location and distance of the target.

It even accounted for bullet drop, gun angle, and Coriolis force, integrating all data to eliminate external factors affecting accuracy. He stated that the evolution of sniping technology was endless and invited Guo Xiao Xiao to learn more about new equipment from him anytime. Qin Feng and Lv Tu personally saw Leng Jing off. Qin Feng noted that she hadn't taken a vacation in two years and suggested she visit her hometown.

Qin Feng then received a phone call from the Detachment Chief, confirming Leng Jing's safe arrival. The Chief informed Qin Feng that the "Warrior Competition" had been moved up to next month due to escalating international anti-terrorism pressure. It was now the largest multi-national anti-terror exercise, effectively real combat, and Qin Feng needed to submit a participant list within a week. Qin Feng proposed using this competition not as a contest between new and old Cheetahs, but to integrate them.

His idea was to have both groups, with shared goals and opponents, complement each other's strengths to form a stronger team. The Detachment Chief expressed concern about potential friction due to their lack of prior teamwork, but Qin Feng trusted their professional awareness. Soon after, Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, and Guo Xiao Xiao were abruptly ordered to pause training and report to the teaching building's meeting room.

Uncertain of what they might have done wrong or if their monthly exam results were unsatisfactory, they worried about being eliminated. Qin Feng then informed them that they were all being "taken away," leading them to believe they were eliminated. Shortly thereafter, Pei Ta Yan and his three teammates also entered the room, reporting for duty.

Episode 43 Recap

The Warrior Competition was announced, scheduled to take place the following month, and the detachment chief informed the soldiers that the Special Police Academy training would be suspended to allow for intensive training. He stressed the importance of healthy competition as a catalyst for progress, but emphasized that cooperation was equally vital.

A new eight-member training squad was formed for the competition, comprising Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Guo Xiaoxiao, Xu Yang, Pei Ta Yan, Mao Lang, Su Jian Fan, and Ren Xiao Chuan. Pei Ta Yan was appointed as the team captain, and Yan Poyue as the vice captain. Captain Lu Tu was to personally lead the team. The chief explained that the training environment would simulate the competition's conditions, including altitude and humidity, to help them adapt.

He also highlighted that this year’s competition would be different, involving international cooperation and information sharing, making language skills crucial for every member. Specialized exported guns were distributed for them to familiarize themselves with, and Gu Meng was assigned to the team as a translator and intelligence analyst. After the briefing, Yan Poyue requested a private conversation with the detachment chief, Qin Feng.

Yan Poyue admitted that while he recognized Pei Ta Yan and his teammates were excellent, he felt a strong internal resistance to fully accepting them. Qin Feng understood his feelings and shared a personal story from a past battle where he sustained severe injuries requiring an emergency blood transfusion. Despite having Type A blood, the battlefield conditions only allowed for a Type O transfusion, leading to a painful rejection reaction.

However, he ultimately survived, and the transfused blood eventually served him well. Qin Feng likened accepting Pei Ta Yan’s team to this experience: refusing would lead to certain failure, while accepting would bring a painful adjustment period but offer a chance at survival and new possibilities. Before their departure, Yan Poyue went to bid farewell to Ai Qianxue. Unexpectedly, Pei Ta Yan also arrived to say goodbye to her, creating a moment of slight awkwardness.

The team then departed by helicopter to a desert location, where their pre-competition training began. The desert setting, chosen to simulate realistic counter-terrorism conditions, was described as open and exposed, making navigation difficult and prone to sandstorms. The veteran "Cheetah" members, including Yan Poyue and Xiao Yun Jie, were eager to prove themselves and channel their frustrations from their academic studies into the rigorous physical training.

Yan Poyue, for his part, diligently continued his foreign language studies even outside of formal training hours. One evening, Guo Xiaoxiao requested extra bullets for night practice, only to discover that Mao Lang had adjusted her gun. She expressed her displeasure, but Captain Lu Tu explained that Mao Lang was an expert sniper and firearms specialist, familiar with both domestic and international weapons.

Mao Lang then detailed how he had analyzed Guo Xiaoxiao's past shooting records, noting a consistent rightward dispersion at ranges over 400 meters. He had identified the trigger pull as the cause and adjusted her sniper rifle's trigger pull from 4. 5 pounds to 3. 8 pounds, optimizing it for both long-range sniping and close-range assault. Guo Xiaoxiao still believed that the person, not the gun, won battles, and that soldiers should adapt to their weapons.

Mao Lang countered that his goal was to make the gun adapt to the shooter, allowing anyone to hit the target instantly, aligning with future computerized aiming systems that rely on scientific calculation rather than individual perception. Later, the team received personalized meals, each tailored to individual physical indicators, height, weight, age, gender, allergens, and combat roles.

Xiao Yun Jie initially found the individual portions and strict no-sharing rule unusual but listened as Pei Ta Yan explained the scientific basis for the diet plans, emphasizing the precise nutritional needs for their specific roles, such as the high protein and vitamin B2 requirements for a machine gunner. Xiao Yun Jie eventually acknowledged Pei Ta Yan’s scientific approach to nutrition, even learning a muscle relaxation technique from Su Jian Fan.

He also borrowed a razor from Pei Ta Yan, noting Pei Ta Yan’s emphasis on military appearance as a reflection of self-discipline. Xu Yang, observing the new team members, praised their specialized knowledge and teamwork, noting that their higher education made them formidable. Xiao Yun Jie, though agreeing privately, cautioned Xu Yang not to say these things to Yan Poyue.

Xiao Yun Jie later found Yan Poyue gazing at the scenery; he then relayed Pei Ta Yan's dietary explanations, suggesting they learn from each other rather than compete. Yan Poyue, no longer focused on rivalry, admitted he felt a bit "old" compared to their highly educated counterparts and pondered who would represent the future of Cheetah, himself and his peers, or Pei Ta Yan and his team. The twelfth Warrior Competition soon commenced.

During the opening ceremony, Xiao Yun Jie struggled to understand the chairman's English speech, which focused on the increasing complexity of international counter-terrorism and the competition's emphasis on real combat skills for special forces. Guo Xiaoxiao, however, understood a challenging remark from another country's soldier regarding female participants and promptly used physical action to silence him, demonstrating her prowess. Xiao Yun Jie then encountered Sergei from Country R, an old acquaintance from a previous competition.

Despite their language barrier, they exchanged pleasantries. However, upon returning to their camp, Gu Meng discovered an eavesdropping device on Xiao Yun Jie, confirming that the competition had already begun. Xiao Yun Jie realized Sergei's earlier warmth was a deceptive tactic. Pei Ta Yan identified Sergei as his team's strategist.

Xiao Yun Jie also inquired about a striking female officer, whom Pei Ta Yan identified as Katherine Hu, a Chinese-born S Country special forces expert in mountain warfare and sniping, known as the "White Phantom" due to her formidable skills. Captain Lu Tu then reiterated that the organizing committee remained tight-lipped about the exact competition content but emphasized that the difficulty would be high, focusing on counter-terrorism scenarios like hostage rescue, urban warfare, precision shooting, and rapid deployment.

Yan Poyue stressed the importance of focusing on their primary rivals: Country A, a dominant military power and the previous runner-up, and Country R, which had rapidly improved its capabilities. Katherine Hu then announced the first mission: a modified An-26 passenger aircraft had been hijacked by a group of highly trained mercenaries. The plane, carrying 33 passengers and 5 crew members, was forced to land in S Country and would arrive at a military airfield in 20 minutes.

The number and objective of the terrorists remained unknown. Xiao Yun Jie largely missed the details, but Yan Poyue accurately recalled the critical information: 33 passengers, 5 crew, and an unknown number of terrorists. Negotiations with the hijackers were reportedly unsuccessful. Pei Ta Yan quickly translated the Russian blueprints of the An-26, noting the added challenges of an unfamiliar Soviet aircraft, the foreign country context, and the terrorists' unclear motives.

When a team member suggested infiltrating through the cargo hold, Pei Ta Yan deemed it too risky due to the aircraft's potential modifications. He then instructed Gu Meng to return to the command center to use a laser microphone to monitor other teams' mission progress, collecting all communication, weapon discharge, and even catering details to glean useful intelligence.

Yan Poyue initially expressed discomfort, calling the tactic "nasty," but Pei Ta Yan countered that in war, unlike sport, gathering precise intelligence before battle was paramount. He then outlined their tactical plan: split into three groups – Team A (Pei Ta Yan, Ren Xiao Chuan, Su Jian Fan) for security door assault, Team B (Yan Poyue, Xiao Yun Jie, Xu Yang) for cargo hold assault, and a sniper team (Guo Xiaoxiao, Mao Lang) for external cover.

The R Country team commenced their mission first, while other teams were ordered to cease tactical discussions. The R Country team completed their assault in an impressive four minutes and thirty-four seconds, eliminating all four terrorists with no casualties to their own team. However, the committee announced that four hostages were injured, one with a broken arm, directly caused by the R Country team. Furthermore, their use of anesthetic without confirming the identities of passengers was deemed an extremely dangerous action. Captain Lu Tu remained composed, awaiting the final verdict from the committee.

Episode 44 Recap

R Country's team completed their mission to resolve the hijacking, but the committee expressed strong disapproval because they had used anesthetics on the injured passengers without verifying their identities or medical conditions, deeming it an extremely dangerous act that could induce sudden illnesses. A Team R member defended their actions, arguing that eliminating terrorists quickly was paramount, and minor injuries were acceptable as no hostages died.

However, another committee member praised R Country for their quick and decisive judgment in identifying disguised terrorists, highlighting their keen battle sense. Next, Team A, a technologically advanced nation, commenced their mission. Gu Meng initially believed their advanced technology ensured victory, stating that the battlefield was unilaterally transparent, but Lv Tu cautioned against overconfidence, stating that while one must ensure not to fight a battle without confidence, every battle involved unpredictable variables and no absolute certainty.

After completing their mission in 10 minutes and 54 seconds, Team A reported killing four terrorists. The committee noted one hostage and one team member casualty. Team A clarified that their soldier's "death" was a simulated asphyxiation, implying they did not use full force in the exercise as it was only a competition. Lv Tu observed that each team's drill setup was unique and meticulously designed.

Soon after, it was the Chinese Cheetah Commando's turn, and the committee expressed high expectations for their performance, acknowledging China's strong track record in recent international competitions. As the Chinese team began, a terrorist's voice message warned that bombs were installed on all hostages' necks and both cabin doors, threatening detonation upon any forced entry. Pei Ta Yan immediately canceled their original assault plan, which involved conventional entry, and opted for negotiation, instructing B group snipers to stand by.

Yan Poyue suggested that women were better suited for negotiation to gain trust quickly. Guo Xiaoxiao, despite her limited English, volunteered, instructed to act on instinct as prior plans were obsolete. Simultaneously, the team learned from intercepted intelligence that a critical hostage, the CEO of the multinational Fila Company, was suffering from an acute heart attack and needed urgent heart surgery, with his surgery time already delayed, putting his life at risk.

Guo Xiaoxiao, having removed all her weapons, approached the plane to negotiate. Utilizing the intelligence about the CEO's critical condition, she offered herself as a hostage in exchange for him, arguing that his influence could help relay the terrorists' demands and that taking her as a hostage would control her entire team. Her female identity successfully diffused the tension and lowered the terrorists' guard. Upon entering the cabin, she was immediately tied up.

As soon as the team confirmed the remote-controlled bombs were defused, Guo Xiaoxiao launched her counter-attack. Yan Poyue and Pei Ta Yan, along with other team members, swiftly entered the cabin, neutralizing the terrorists, including one hidden among the hostages. The mission was completed in 8 minutes and 15 seconds with four terrorists killed and two captured, with no casualties to hostages or the team.

Pei Ta Yan attributed the success primarily to Guo Xiaoxiao, but she humbly insisted it was a collective effort. Despite the successful mission, Yan Poyue felt an underlying uneasiness, finding the plane "too clean." Xiao Yunjie dismissed his concerns, attributing the cleanliness to facilitating various countries' actions. Soon after, Pei Ta Yan encountered Jason, the captain of Team A, whom he knew from hunter school.

Jason expressed that while they were now rivals, their friendship remained, acknowledging that comrades and rivals could switch at any time. Pei Ta Yan thought Jason was extreme and petty, and that being targeted by him was a good thing, interpreting it as a sign that Cheetah was currently ahead of Team A in the competition. The committee then announced that the assessment was far from over; in fact, the real mission had just begun.

All teams were required to quickly analyze gathered information, deduce the terrorists' true motives, potential ripple effects, and formulate a detailed plan within an hour, using prepared computers and materials in their rest areas. While Lv Tu and Gu Meng focused on filtering valuable intelligence, Yan Poyue meticulously sorted through data. He questioned the terrorists' lack of demands and the use of an obsolete An-26 aircraft, which he found suspicious.

He deduced that the hijacking was a diversion, a "smoke and mirrors" tactic, and that the evaluation criteria (time and kills) prevented thorough cabin inspection. His theory was that the terrorists used the hijacked plane to transport a missing dirty bomb, which was then smuggled out by their accomplices disguised as security personnel during the post-hijacking cleanup.

The real objective, he hypothesized, was to detonate the dirty bomb an hour later during the debriefing meeting attended by all national leaders and captains. Pei Ta Yan, however, poured cold water on Yan Poyue's theory, calling it mere speculation and insisting they stick to their current deduction process. Nevertheless, he acknowledged Yan Poyue's authority as vice-captain to command the team. Yan Poyue soon confirmed his suspicions.

While searching, he discovered a dirty bomb in Zone B of the rest area at coordinates B07, with just over nine minutes left until detonation. He immediately alerted the Cheetah team and initiated a full camp evacuation, calling for bomb disposal experts, while the committee was still verifying the intelligence. Yan Poyue burst through a checkpoint, declaring it "not a competition, but a war." With only two minutes remaining, Sergei and Jason, the designated bomb disposal experts, were still arguing.

Sergei recognized the dirty bomb as equipment from their country's nuclear power device, while Jason recognized the detonator as a device from their country, leaving them at a loss on how to proceed, as both approaches seemed to lead to detonation. Yan Poyue, acting decisively, fired his weapon, destroying the detonator and stopping the countdown at 0 minutes, 0 seconds, preventing a catastrophic explosion.

The committee announced that the Chinese Cheetah Commando had passed the first assessment with full marks, praising them for destroying the dirty bomb's detonator at the last moment. Although Pei Ta Yan apologized on Yan Poyue's behalf for his aggressive actions, a high-ranking officer commended Yan Poyue for his courage, excellent mind, sharp intuition, and sense of responsibility, recognizing him as a true soldier who possessed the essential qualities of a commander. His decisive action earned him widespread respect.

Later, Sergei approached Xiao Yunjie with vodka and then confided in Pei Ta Yan, claiming to know the details of the next assessment. He proposed an alliance to collectively oppose Team A, after first checking Pei Ta Yan for listening devices. Yan Poyue remained distrustful, advising them to simply focus on their own responsibilities.

The committee then announced that the second round had already begun 30 minutes prior, and that the intelligence on the computers was part of it, granting qualified commanders a valuable thirty minutes of planning time. Although the dirty bomb in the camp was disarmed, the mastermind behind it, 'S', remained at large. The new mission required a coordinated multinational military operation to capture 'S', with scores determined by each country's contributions.

Amid arguments between Team A and Team R over tactical arrangements, Lv Tu proposed a viable plan for joint operations, emphasizing the need for a supreme commander, unified commands, and coordinated operations leveraging each nation's strengths. The plan involved a six-member reconnaissance team (two from each of the three countries), using Team A's advanced equipment, China's satellite support, and R Country's vehicles, to scout the target village and meet an informant.

After confirming Target S's location, a Quick Response Force would be deployed by helicopter, with remaining personnel forming a ground reception unit. As the three-nation special forces reconnaissance team approached the village, they encountered three armed locals, who claimed to be shepherds carrying guns for protection against wolves, stating they had to go far for grazing and wolves were dangerous. This presented a dilemma reminiscent of "Operation Red Wings," which Pei Ta Yan (or another team member) immediately recognized.

Yan Poyue recalled Yue Kong's past teachings about dealing with suspicious individuals during missions, where escorting them hindered progress, releasing them risked exposure, detaining them endangered their lives, and killing them was too cruel. Facing this classic moral and tactical challenge, Yan Poyue proposed a solution: disguise themselves as the shepherds using their clothes and sheep, then infiltrate the village to contact the informant without revealing their presence or harming the locals. He insisted that the three team captains remain behind to command in case of an emergency.

Episode 45 (Ending) Recap

Yan Poyue, disguised as a shepherd, entered the village and successfully met with the informant, who offered him black goat milk. From an observation post, it was noted that Yan Poyue had entered ten minutes prior and hadn't emerged. Charlie team reported successful contact with the informant to Alpha Zero command. Command believed the mission was straightforward, with the Quick Reaction Force set to arrive in 15 minutes, allowing for an early completion.

However, Lv Tu expressed doubt, stating that the organizing committee wouldn't make their victory so easy. Shortly after, Yan Poyue and his team realized they had walked into a trap. Amidst enemy contact and movement, a bomb exploded, resulting in the loss of one R nation team member and one A nation team member. Observing from outside, Jason reported to Alpha Zero that the mission had failed and requested backup, believing their personnel were exposed.

However, Pei Ta Yan intervened, stopping Jason from retreating, declaring that the mission had only just begun and stating his new plan was to "rush through it." While Yan Poyue fought fiercely against multiple enemies, Pei Ta Yan, without waiting for further instructions, charged into the village to assist Yan Poyue.

Pei Ta Yan soon relayed to Yan Poyue that the battle in the village seemed to be centrally commanded, suspecting that Target S might be located in the tower on the west side. Yan Poyue confirmed Target S's location in the tower. Pei Ta Yan then instructed Jason and Sergei to converge at the same tower and call for support.

After fierce fighting and a strategic use of grenades and flashbangs, Yan Poyue and Pei Ta Yan breached the tower, where they apprehended Target S. Terrorist planes bombed the village as Guo Xiaoxiao and her support team were three minutes away, with the Quick Reaction Force still ten minutes out. Inside the tower, the team received a new directive: rescue the crew of a downed Cobra 2 helicopter within ten minutes, sending coordinates to them.

Given the open, exposed crash site, team members quickly realized that attempting a rescue before QRF arrival would be suicidal, leading to a debate about waiting for backup. Jason argued that their primary mission was to capture Target S alive, suggesting they should prioritize that. Yan Poyue agreed that a split team was necessary, with one group guarding S and the other performing the rescue. He volunteered to lead the rescue.

Guo Xiaoxiao, Xiao Yun Jie, and Pei Ta Yan quickly joined him. Noticing that only Chinese members were volunteering, Xiao Yun Jie expressed concern about losing credit and emphatically reminded Sergei to come and rescue them, stating they didn't trust Jason to guard Target S alone. As the four advanced towards the crash site, an unnerving silence settled.

Guo Xiaoxiao identified potential sniper positions: 11 o'clock on the left of the ravine, 2 o'clock on the right, and a challenging long-range spot at 12 o'clock on the opposite mountain. Yan Poyue assigned Guo Xiaoxiao to suppress the 2 o'clock position, himself to the 11 o'clock, and Xiao Yun Jie to provide cover fire. Pei Ta Yan was assigned to reconnaissance after a brief discussion, with him insisting on going to conserve Yan Poyue's energy in the high-altitude environment.

Guo Xiaoxiao found the sniper on the mountain top at 12 o'clock, but the distance was too great for effective fire suppression. Yan Poyue, under cover, volunteered to locate and neutralize the sniper. Before he could reach the sniper, the threat was unexpectedly neutralized. Ground forces arrived to rendezvous with the team, prompting Yan Poyue to immediately withdraw. Upon regrouping, Pei Ta Yan acknowledged that Yan Poyue was stronger than him.

He admitted that if this was a real battle, his leg would have been ruined. As a result, Pei Ta Yan handed over his command to Yan Poyue, declaring that he owed him his life. Yan Poyue casually accepted a pack of cookies from Pei Ta Yan, signaling an end to their past rivalry. The team, now under Yan Poyue's command and still holding Target S, continued their mission.

Inside the vehicle, Xiao Yun Jie speculated about the next phase of the mission, questioning Yan Poyue if he, as a test maker, would end the mission when everyone was exhausted, noting it was an ideal time to test resilience. Yan Poyue agreed, sensing the mission was far from over. His premonition proved correct when their convoy suddenly came under heavy fire, forcing everyone to take cover. The vehicle quickly succumbed to the intense shelling, forcing everyone to disembark.

Yan Poyue instructed Mao Lang to attend to the injured Pei Ta Yan. Faced with overwhelming enemy numbers and artillery fire, and without air support, Yan Poyue decided to stay behind to provide cover for the others to retreat, emphasizing that failure to do so would lead to mission failure. While Gu Meng believed Yan Poyue was being reckless, Lv Tu understood that Yan Poyue's focus had shifted from merely completing the mission to fulfilling a soldier's profound duty.

Despite Xiao Yun Jie's protests and insistence on staying with him, Yan Poyue ordered Sergei and Xiao Yun Jie to lead the rest of the team in a tactical retreat via the safer north mountain path, while he remained behind to hold off the enemy. Lv Tu noted that Yan Poyue made the same choice as Staff Sergeant White during a desert ambush, recognizing it as the most effective decision in such a dire situation.

During their retreat, Xiao Yun Jie was shot by a sniper while protecting Sergei, who called out the name Yura. The team faced continued pursuit and intense sniper fire, making it difficult to pinpoint the enemy's position. Guo Xiaoxiao, whose foot was hit, decided to draw out the opposing sniper, and despite the injury, she successfully located and shot her adversary.

The enemy female sniper, Katherine Hu, then appeared, acknowledging Guo Xiaoxiao with a salute and congratulating her as a "brilliant sniper," a gesture of earned respect. Back at the camp, team members were concerned about Yan Poyue, who had not returned. His signal had vanished after he repelled the final wave of enemy forces, and despite continuous searches by the organizing committee, there was no news of him.

Katherine Hu, the sniper Guo Xiaoxiao had engaged, also returned, reassuring the concerned teams that the committee would ensure the safety of all participants within the 50-kilometer no-man's land. After a long night spent alone in the desert, Yan Poyue finally reappeared at the base as the new day dawned. The organizing committee announced Country A as the winning team, citing their effective choices in modern anti-terrorism warfare, mission completion, and self-preservation.

Xiao Yun Jie expressed frustration that their victory was "stolen," but Yan Poyue dismissed the ranking. He stated that their true objective was not to "show power" or "prove how great they are," but to foster unity in the global anti-terrorism coalition and free the world from terror. In this sense, he asserted, they were successful. Lv Tu affirmed Yan Poyue's perspective, stating that rankings were merely "flowers and applause" on their journey.

He emphasized that the team's true achievement lay in their trials and transformation, which had made them stronger for future, more challenging missions. Subsequently, Yan Poyue was awarded a special medal of valour for demonstrating unwavering courage and a spirit of sacrifice throughout the competition. Back in China, Yan Poyue delivered a speech representing all participants of the Warrior Competition.

He reminded his "comrades and fellow students" that joining the People's Armed Police Force marked the beginning of "a never-ending journey," urging them to always remember the vows they made when donning their uniforms. He reiterated the pledge to obey the Communist Party of China's leadership, dedicate themselves to the people, uphold discipline, fulfill their duties, work diligently, and train rigorously to become loyal defenders of the Party and the people. He concluded by emphasizing that, under any circumstances, they would never betray their country or defect from the Armed Police Force.