In the name of supernatural powers

Chapter 196 The Heart Flame is Forged

"Comrades, quiet down."

Lu Zhao's voice interrupted the discussion and silenced all the noise.

The military is disciplined; dissatisfaction can be vented, but orders will be obeyed instinctively.

Just like Cao Yang disliked Lu Zhao, even though Lu Zhao didn't give him any face when they first met, he still obeyed the order to do push-ups and completed it within the specified time.

Lu Zhao said, "This is the quota set by the General Headquarters, not my personal request. I used to work in border defense, and although I got the quota, the General Headquarters didn't tell me that it was newly set this year."

First, they shift the blame. They take on the task themselves, but that doesn't mean they have to accept the criticism.

Even if you have to persuade a quarter of them to leave, the remaining three-quarters will still be your subordinates.

In order for the work to go smoothly, let Chief Tu bear the blame.

These words lessened the anger of the crowd, at least they stopped looking at Lu Zhao with hostile eyes.

If you calm down a bit, no normal person would think that this was a target set by Lu Zhaoneng.

"but."

Lu Zhao changed the subject abruptly, saying bluntly, "Now that I'm here, I have to carry out the orders from the headquarters. Many of you here may be asked to leave. I know you all don't want to go, and you all have feelings for the special operations force."

"I also know that everyone has made outstanding contributions to the Federation by shedding blood and sweat."

“I am even more aware that some people want to band together to cause trouble and want me to make an exception for them, otherwise they will interfere with the normal operation of my work.”

These words struck Yu Fusheng, Li He, and Cao Yang like an invisible hammer blow.

Cao Yang couldn't hold back his emotions, and his body visibly tensed up.

Lu Zhao had already used the petition tactic back when he was at the border post.

The reason why Lü Jinshan couldn't remove him from his position as platoon leader wasn't because he couldn't, but because he didn't dare.

Before Lü Jinshan needed to curry favor with the Chen family, he was still the border station chief and had to be responsible for his work. He couldn't afford the consequences of a mass riot by the soldiers, nor was he willing to.

People with lower abilities tend to be more hesitant and timid, because maintaining their current position is already their limit.

But Lu Zhao wasn't afraid. He would persuade anyone who caused trouble to leave, and if necessary, he would start over.

They gathered all the veterans from the garrison at Ant Ridge and all the people the anti-counterfeiting special forces knew.

The basic requirement of 30 points of vitality can be met with a little effort.

But this is undoubtedly the last resort; we can't just do it this way from the start. Inclusivity is the best approach.

"I can tell you all clearly now."

Lu Zhao looked around at everyone present and said decisively, "I only give orders. All assessments will be carried out strictly according to standards, and all decisions regarding staying or leaving will be handled strictly according to regulations."

"Over the next week, I will personally participate in the daily training and duty summaries of each brigade. The evaluation list will be initially drafted by the branch based on the latest assessment data, and after my review, it will be submitted to the headquarters."

A kind heart cannot command an army, and righteousness cannot control finances. Even if he is in the wrong, as long as he does not break the rules, Lu Zhao must suppress everyone.

Speaking politely will only bring you trouble.

Of course, Lu Zhao wasn't completely heartless. He was willing to help some people who were close to meeting the requirements, but this couldn't be said openly.

What you call affection to everyone else, you call gratitude to one person.

"Alright, meeting adjourned. All brigade captains, please come to my office later."

Lu Zhao got up and left the meeting room first.

Everyone looked grave, but no one refuted them.

Lu Zhao held the brigade's orders in his hands; they couldn't openly defy the brigade at the meeting, as that would be disregarding discipline.

"Damn, they're going to turn away a quarter of them. This is the first time they've walked that many."

"Not even reaching the third rank in six years? At this rate, I'll be fired too. I have three second-class merits and six third-class merits; I'm practically ready to die for my country, and you just kick me to the curb today?"

"Captain Yu, you make the decision. We'll go to the Daozheng Bureau and report this."

"Yes, go find the Daozheng Bureau!"

Now it was Yu Fusheng's turn to face the indignant officers.

He was so overwhelmed by what he heard; it felt like he was being pushed into a fire pit.

"All right!"

Yu Fusheng raised his voice to the highest level; he couldn't suppress everyone with a calm demeanor like Lu Zhao.

"Are you trying to rebel?! You even went to the Daozheng Bureau to complain? Anyone who wants to do that will have to step over my dead body first!"

"What do you want the brigade to think of the Ninth Detachment? That we're a bunch of cowardly soldiers who can't survive without the army?"

"Ask yourselves honestly, did the life supplements you drink, the life bones in your bodies, the houses allocated to you by your families, and the annual salaries of hundreds of thousands just appear out of thin air?"

A few words brought some of the impulsive officers to their senses, but their faces were still filled with resentment.

Someone looked dejected and said, "Captain Yu, I'm only two levels away from reaching the third tier. Will any unit be able to provide me with enough resources to break through to the third tier after I leave?"

Yu Fusheng comforted him, saying, "Rules are rigid, but people are flexible. Maybe the brigade has arranged a better position for us."

Even he himself didn't quite believe it when he said it.

If you're talking about a relaxed life in your later years, that's definitely not a problem. Veterans who serve a full six years generally get federally allocated housing, and they also receive various subsidies after they leave the military.

After six years of risking their lives, most people are desperately trying to climb the ladder.

Yu Fusheng also wanted to, but his life development was too slow. Even if he worked himself to the bone, he could only gain twenty points a year, and it would be even more difficult after he turned thirty-five.
-
The detachment leader's office.

Lu Zhao put down his things and immediately picked up the landline to dial the headquarters' number.

The call connected, and Tu Bin's cheerful and rugged voice came through.

"Xiao Lu, have you arrived at your destination yet?"

"We've arrived. I have a question for Chief Tu: Is this third category of personnel a newly established standard this year?"

"It was newly decided this year."

Why didn't you inform me beforehand?

"Huh? Didn't I tell you? Hahaha, it was my oversight."

Lu Zhao's lips twitched slightly; he really wanted to sleep with this roughneck.

But at this point, the truth or falsehood is no longer important. Even if it were said on the spot, Lu Zhao would still come.

He said, "Chief Tu, isn't this target too harsh?"

On the other end of the phone, Tu Bin's laughter subsided, and he said quite seriously, "I can tell you clearly that this decision was discussed a year ago. If you don't want to do it, you can ask Chief Liu to switch, but the process of persuading you to resign will still continue."

Lu Zhao asked, "Why?"

Tu Bin said, "There are too many elderly people, and life development will have a marginal effect due to aging. However, the financial investment is constant. Every year, the Federation invests a lot of money in the special countermeasures force, especially in our South China Sea."

"The Cangwu Special Counter-Strike Force, with its six detachments alone responsible for the Confederate District, accounts for 20% of the total annual life supplement rations in Nankaido."

"The monthly quota of life supplements is 30 for intermediate level and 60 for low level, plus one potion to break through the five barriers per month, as well as various subsidies. The Bureau of Dao Administration hopes to assign these people to other departments so that more newcomers can be trained."

Strictly speaking, Chief Liu wasn't targeting Lu Zhao; it just so happened that he happened to be there.

The Special Countermeasures Team certainly wants to have more and more superhumans under its command, but the Political Bureau needs to consider the overall balance.

Most of the resources have been poured in, so some talent has to be allocated to other units.

Lu Zhao also understood that this was an inevitable trend.

Tu Bin added, "If you find it difficult, then find someone to switch jobs. It's not a big deal."

If it were anyone else, Tu Bin would have started cursing directly, telling them to get out if they didn't want to work there.

But since Lu Zhao married a little princess, he was able to meet Liu Hanwen as soon as he entered Cangwu, and get to know the heads of the personnel, procuratorial, and public security systems.

Even if we don't consider Miss Lin's feelings, we still have to consider the future rise of Lu Zhao.

"I guarantee I will complete the mission."

Lu Zhao's tone was firm.

Having accepted the mission, there's no way I can back down now.

"Commander Tu, is there absolutely no room for leniency in this quota? And what are the specific arrangements for the soldiers' demobilization?"

"It's not decided yet, but I guess no one will be satisfied," Tu Bin admitted. "Those who can stay in the special counter-terrorism unit for six years must be good soldiers with a firm will, and they must want to grind to the third rank."

The third-tier transcendents represent a substantial leap in social status.

Even if a third-tier superhuman who leaves the special operations force goes to another department, their starting position is at the adjutant level, and it's easy for them to move up.

Conversely, if you don't reach the third rank, you'll at most be assigned a deputy official position, and whether you have any real power is another matter.

Any good job is in high demand; you need connections and a bit of luck.

"As for the targets, they can be determined on a case-by-case basis, but most people will definitely be laid off."

With those words, Lu Zhao felt relieved.

A blanket ban would definitely provoke public outrage.

"clear."

After the call ended, Xiao Wei, the orderly who had been silent the whole time, finally spoke up: "Captain Lu, the three battalion commanders are already outside."

This kid is quite clever, which reminded Lu Zhao of Liu Qiang.

He asked, "The liaison officer hasn't been appointed yet, has he?"

Upon hearing this, Wei Ruiyang was taken aback at first, but then immediately understood the implication and replied with a look of surprise, "No."

"Alright, you'll be my liaison officer and help me with my daily tasks." "Thank you for the promotion, sir!"

The three captains then entered the office, stood at attention, and saluted Lu Zhao.

After returning the greeting, Lu Zhao invited the three of them to sit on the sofa in his office and asked Comrade Xiao Wei to serve them tea and water.

He said, "Regarding the quota for persuading the three types of personnel to resign, I have already consulted Commander Tu. In principle, there can be no leniency."

"But rules are rigid, but people are flexible. For some comrades who have truly made outstanding contributions, I can help them try."

"But I also hope that the three of you can cooperate with my work."

Large meetings are for issuing notices, while smaller meetings are for implementing specific tasks.

Upon hearing this, the three were not surprised. Yu Fusheng was the first to say, "We will definitely cooperate with the work of the Lu Detachment. I would like to know specifically which people we need to persuade to resign?"

Lu Zhao bluntly stated, "You and Comrade Li He are both on the list of those who are advised to resign."

A slight silence fell over the room.

However, the atmosphere wasn't as heated as it had been in the meeting room, and Yu and Li had already prepared themselves mentally.

Cao Yang said, "Captain Yu has served in the detachment for so many years, can't you be a little more lenient? Isn't the brigade afraid of discouraging the soldiers from acting like this?"

Lu Zhao retorted, "Are you trying to negotiate with the organization?"

Cao Yang was speechless.

No one dared to answer that; a soldier's duty is to obey orders.

Li remained silent and did not express his opinion.

Yu Fusheng said, "Commander Lu, I am willing to obey your arrangements and cooperate with you to complete the work."

Lu Zhao comforted him, saying, "I will ask the headquarters to arrange a good position for you."

Yu Fusheng said, "Thank you, Commander Lu."

Afterwards, the specific list of those who were advised to withdraw was distributed. Even though I had prepared myself mentally many times, I was still taken aback when I actually saw the list.

The names on the list were all soldiers under their command.

The three left with the list.

Lu Zhao then met separately with the heads of various sections of the detachment headquarters to understand the specific work situation and selected some important ones to focus on.

He needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the brigade's main work. He doesn't necessarily need to be in command, but he can't be completely ignorant or clueless about anything.

This was Lu Zhao's work for the rest of the day, during which he also received a task.

The headquarters announced that a supernatural criminal case is under investigation and instructed all detachments to be on standby at any time.

It continued until 8 p.m., and Comrade Xiao Wei's legs were numb from standing.

Is this new boss a workaholic?

At nine o'clock, Lu Zhao put down the documents in his hand and realized that it was already completely dark.

He turned to look at Comrade Xiao Wei and said, "You've worked hard today. You can find a place to sit down when I'm working in the future."

"You're a liaison officer, so perhaps we should also arrange an office space for you. You can find someone to handle it yourself tomorrow."

"Yes."

Comrade Xiao Wei said, "Sir, let me take you to your dormitory now."

"it is good."

Lu Zhao got up, stretched, and took out his phone from his pocket.

Two missed calls were found.

One belongs to Lin Zhiyan, and the other to Li Dongxue.

He didn't choose to call back. If it was something important, they would call a second time. If it was just casual conversation, they would wait until next time they had time.

During work hours, Lu Zhao did not want to be disturbed, nor did he want to be delayed by trivial matters.

At home, Lu Zhao couldn't do anything about them, but when he went out, he didn't need to worry about anyone's feelings.

The federal government gave him power and a salary not to indulge in romance.

When he's on duty, he has no personal time, nor does he need it.

The special counter-terrorism detachment captain's dormitory was a single room, furnished with a bed, table and chairs, filing cabinet, radio, refrigerator, and a personal computer.

A square monitor and a vintage-looking computer.

He turned on his computer, but he still needed to dial up to access the internet.

The Horned Dragon Bow was also delivered to his room along with his luggage.

He wasn't afraid of losing it, because it had a telepathic connection and was important federal property; anyone who dared to take it would be subject to a house call.

Comrade Xiao Wei went out for a while and soon came back in with a four-story insulated box containing two dishes and a soup.

After finishing his meal, Lu Zhao packed up his trash and left the dormitory, thus ending his day's work as a service worker.

The work was undoubtedly tough, but countless people in the camp were eager to do it.

Looking at the numerous items in the room, Lu Zhao suddenly felt a little uncomfortable.

The rooms at the border station were all white, from the furniture to the walls, and there were very few items in the room.

Because of having too many things, his mind will be scattered, and he will be unable to resist the pollution of the spiritual world.

It's no longer necessary.

He was able to resist pollution simply by relying on his spirit.

Lu Zhao took out the Horned Dragon Bow from the box and sat cross-legged on the bed to temper his heart.

Gudong! Gudong! Gudong!

The sound of a heartbeat vibrated the bed slightly; the heartbeat didn't feel like flesh and blood, but more like the roar of an engine.

Consuming life force to temper the body may seem to delay life development, but in reality, it directly achieves the goal of life development.

Physical strength does not increase proportionally with vitality; among the second-tier, the increase in strength is most noticeable in the mental barrier.

Those who have broken through their mental barriers can generally kill a 250-kilogram adult tiger with their bare hands, and can hold their own against most second-tier demonic beasts without relying on firearms.

After the mental barrier is broken, each breakthrough will only increase your strength by about 5%. The rest depends on the effects of the supernatural powers. Generally, only physical supernatural powers can increase your strength.

The Horned Dragon Bow has given Lu Zhao more room for growth; his current strength is even greater than Cao Yang's after breaking through four barriers.

After a long while, Lu Zhao smelled a burning smell.

He opened his eyes, his body was soaked with sweat, steam was rising from his entire body, and the whole room was filled with white mist.

Looking down, I saw that the area of ​​my clothes around my heart on my chest had turned a yellowish-brown color, about the size of a fist.

The fire within the heart is forged!
Lu Zhao felt as if his strength had reached a new level, as if he could punch through someone's stomach with one punch.

Immediately afterwards, an unparalleled desire surged from the depths of his mind.

The images of Li Dongxue and Lin Zhiyan flashed through my mind, followed by the mountain of Red Flower Brothel, and finally Wang Shouzhen.

Lust, greed, and lust for power.

The overwhelming desires lasted only a few breaths before Lu Zhao regained his senses.

He frowned slightly, very dissatisfied, and said, "Four seconds of loss of control. It seems I've been too lax lately."

Four seconds is enough for him to do something outrageous.

If Miss Lin and Xiao Xue were there, or if there were other men present, he would definitely have done something outrageous just now.

Even if those four seconds are only enough for a hug, a kiss, a caress, or other actions that can salvage the situation, Lu Zhao will never allow this to happen.

He needs a stronger will and a more powerful spirit. He needs to restrain all instinctive impulses and suppress all desires that should not exist.

Steel is forged in fire and sudden cooling; desire burns like flames, while will is cooled like ice and snow.

With this thought in mind, Lu Zhao did not examine his power after the breakthrough, but instead picked up the "Refining God" technique that he had not practiced for a long time.

Water dripping wears away stone, and grains of sand accumulating into a tower—no task should be neglected.

The lust ignited by the Horned Dragon Bow was enveloped, devoured, and absorbed by Lu Zhao's spirit.

His mental strength began to rise slowly.

The heart contains fire, and fire contains spirit.

Lu Zhao has discovered another way to use dragon energy.

The desires that arise from tempering the body can temper the spirit.

Perhaps when he can calmly face the dragon's fiery desires, his mental strength will reach a new level.

After Lu Zhao had consumed all his desires, he glanced at the time; it was already four in the morning.

"I still have time to report to my master."

He needed to report every time he made a breakthrough in his cultivation.

Hunyuan.

Inside the Taoist temple, the old Taoist priest felt a surge of intense yang energy.

He opened his eyes and saw Lu Zhao walk into the Taoist temple.

This kid has already developed the Heart Flame so quickly?
(End of this chapter)