Legendary Captain

Chapter 351 Ultra-Low Altitude Penetration

In today's society, the term "young master" is extremely rare, except in certain long-established and influential families. In fact, if someone were to address someone as "young master" or "young lady" without warning, it would feel strangely incongruous and awkward, even somewhat ridiculous. Most reasonably normal people would no longer use such a term that carries strong remnants of feudalism.

However, when Ying Ruoqing uttered this name, it sounded so natural, as if it was the very thing she was supposed to call Xu Xian that.

"Young Master!" Meng Ziyang could hardly believe his ears. Who was Ying Ruoqing? She represented a modern, educated woman, yet the two words she just uttered seemed so incongruous with her status.

Xu Xian's eyes gradually turned cold, but he didn't linger on Ying Ruoqing for long. Instead, he turned to Wang Chenchen: "Let's go!"

Wang Chenchen grabbed Xu Xian: "What do you want to do?"

"Of course, it's just a symbolic flight, then a predictable shot-down, and finally, it comes back," Xu Xian sneered. "What, is there a problem?"

"Xu Xian, you've gone a bit too far," Ye Qing said quietly. "You didn't have to say that. What's wrong with you?"

"Then what should I say? Do you have some misunderstanding about me?" Xu Xian lifted his eyelids and said to Ye Qing with some impatience. At this moment, Xu Xian was like a volcano that was about to erupt at any time, full of endless irritability and impatience.

Ye Qing really didn't expect Xu Xian to say this. He knew from the beginning that Xu Xian didn't have a strong sense of responsibility and honor, but he thought that bringing Xu Xian into the Luohang fleet would subtly change Xu Xian and gradually cultivate his sense of responsibility and honor. However, it seems that it was just wishful thinking on his part.

Xu Xian has never changed, at least not because of external factors. The only one who can change Xu Xian is himself.

However, even so, Xu Xian's current state is visibly irritable.

At this moment, even the most oblivious person could see that Xu Xian seemed to be in a problematic emotional state, not in a state of normal thinking.

Even Meng Ziyang, who had been silent earlier, fell silent. It wasn't that he agreed with Xu Xian's point of view, but rather that he didn't want to engage in a pointless debate with someone who couldn't think rationally. It was a meaningless matter anyway. Instead, he sneered, "Captain Wang, are you sure you want to let him go up there?"

"Xu Xian, are you really just going up for a quick look? This is a matter of face for the entire Xi'an Air Force!" To have one's home base taken over is a great disgrace for any soldier. Wang Chenchen is a soldier who transferred from Xi'an Air Force, and he has a strong sense of honor for the entire Xi'an Air Force.

Xu Xian just said he had a way, so he definitely has a way; Wang Chenchen never doubts that.

Xu Xian frowned: "That's your Xikong. It's not worth me risking my life to protect! Aren't you leaving? If not, then I'm going back."

At this moment, Wang Chenchen was also caught in a dilemma. If she sent Xu Xian up there, it would be nothing more than sending him to his death. Everyone knew that there was no chance of success using conventional methods. However, Xu Xian was unwilling to try the so-called possible way to turn the tide, leaving her at a loss.

Faced with this predicament, even someone as good-natured as Wang Chenchen began to lose his temper. He stared at Xu Xian and said in a cold voice, "Fine, if you don't want to, then go get on the plane. I'll discuss your thoughts with Captain Li after the exercise."

These were already quite harsh words; Wang Chenchen felt that Xu Xian was no longer suitable to stay there. At least, Xu Xian's behavior today was unbearable for this former soldier, even though he could tell that Xu Xian seemed to be extremely emotionally unstable due to some other matter.

At this point, the atmosphere had become extremely tense. Meng Ziyang knew that this was a time for the Luohang fleet to deal with internal affairs, so he wisely kept quiet.

Ying Ruoqing, however, nervously glanced at Xu Xian, whose expression remained indifferent.

"Okay!" Xu Xian didn't even glance at Wang Chenchen, but instead prepared to continue walking forward.

Xu Xian offered no explanation, clearly intending to go along with Wang Chenchen's wishes. It's evident that Xu Xian no longer cared whether or not he remained in the Luohang fleet.

Ye Qing never expected things to turn out this way. What's wrong with Xu Xian today? He's acting like he's eaten gunpowder.

"Xu Xian, don't you care about that flight data recorder?" Ye Qing roared.

Xu Xian paused slightly, but continued walking forward without looking back.

Ye Qing suddenly shouted again, "Since you say this is a transaction, then let's make another transaction, how about it?"

Xu Xian abruptly stopped, turning his head to ask, "What do you mean?"

"Fair! A fair trade, neither of us owes the other anything!" Ye Qing's expression also calmed down: "Tell me, what will it take for you to truly be willing to carry out this interception mission?"

Ye Qing emphasized the word "truly" very much, and Xu Xian should understand what Ye Qing meant.

At this moment, Wang Chenchen, standing beside Ye Qing, wore a helpless, bitter smile. She hadn't expected that an interception mission would become a bargaining chip! It was utterly ridiculous!

Xu Xian narrowed his eyes for a moment, then slowly said, "Can you repair the flight data recorder within three months?"

"This will require me to allocate more manpower, which will affect the progress of C42," Ye Qing said, shaking his head.

"So that means it won't work?" Xu Xian turned to leave.

Just then, Ye Qing immediately called out, "So, how likely do you think we are to complete this interception mission?"

At that moment, Xu Xian's gaze became incredibly resolute: "If you can fix the flight data recorder for me within three months, I'll shoot down all eleven Guangdong Air Force planes in the sky, how about it?"

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned by Xu Xian's almost arrogant words. Ye Qing's pupils suddenly contracted: "Is this true?"

"A promise is a promise," Xu Xian turned around, "and cannot be taken back!"

"Alright!" Ye Qing suddenly shouted, "Then I wish you every success!"

The deal was done. Xu Xian silently looked up at the corridor ceiling, suddenly feeling somewhat disheartened. Then, after letting out a long sigh, he walked straight towards the duty room.

After hesitating for a moment, Wang Chenchen followed.

Ye Qing, Meng Ziyang, and Ying Ruoqing remained standing still, not moving.

"Can we see the specific details of the drill?" Ying Ruoqing suddenly asked Meng Ziyang.

Meng Ziyang was taken aback: "You want to see it? Well... I need to ask for permission first."

"Okay." Ying Ruoqing nodded. "I only need to watch the part featuring Shao Xuxian!"

"Okay, there should be a data receiving terminal here. I'll ask my superior." For Meng Ziyang, seeing the drill content shouldn't be a problem. The issue is with Ying Ruoqing; she has a slight health issue and needs to consult her superior.

Wang Chenchen, who had followed Xu Xian away, caught up with him: "Whatever help you need, we will do our best to provide it."

"Notify the Logistics Department to replace all units with Viper short-range air-to-air missiles," Xu Xian said as he walked.

"All short-range air-to-air missiles? What about medium- and long-range air-to-air missiles? Forget about them?" Wang Chenchen exclaimed in surprise. In the normal C-16 weapon configuration, there is no option to carry all short-range air-to-air missiles.

"Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures!" Xu Xian said calmly. "Also, I heard there's still one fighter jet remaining at the Third Division's side? What's the situation?"

"Oh, that's a C-15X, modified for stealth. It separated from the main force and was originally planned as a flanking maneuver. But..."

"But before they could even get into position, the main force was wiped out." Xu Xian scoffed. "His stealth modification is probably only half-baked. But it's enough for now! Will he even take my orders?"

Wang Chenchen was taken aback: "You need his cooperation?"

"It's just about making the best use of resources. With someone to help, it'll be simpler," Xu Xian said. "So, tell me if it's possible?"

"The Third Division is also at a loss right now. If you have a way to get them to cooperate with you, that's not a problem," Wang Chenchen said after thinking for a while. "Also, the C-16IN at the base has already been flown away. Now the base only has A, B, and R models left."

The C16IN fighter jet is the final enhanced version of the C16 series, nicknamed "Super Viper". It has unparalleled supersonic capabilities and air-to-ground reconnaissance capabilities, and incorporates many technologies from fourth-generation fighters, thus earning the reputation of being the strongest third-generation fighter.

The C-16IN fighter jet is in short supply; there's only one at the Luoyang Air Force Base, but it was flown away during the initial attack on the 4th Naval Air Division. If Xu Xian were to pilot the C-16IN this time, it would undoubtedly be a huge boost, but that's just a hypothetical scenario.

Of the few models left at the base, the B model is definitely not suitable, as it's a two-seater.

"Is there no more Type C?" Xu Xian asked.

The C-type is an improved version of the A-type and is also a single-seat aircraft. Compared to the A-type, the C-type has a more powerful radar and more advanced avionics displays. If given a choice, Xu Xian would definitely prefer to fly the C-type.

"We really don't have any left," Wang Chenchen said somewhat apologetically. The previous attack on the 4th Naval Air Division was truly a desperate attempt to achieve their goal in one fell swoop, so they definitely chose the most advanced fighter jets. Now, the base only has basic models left: "What about the R-type?"

"That's a reconnaissance model, whatever! They're all the same." Xu Xian picked up his helmet. "If it's the Type A, then it won't have terrain-avoidance radar either? Really..."

Xu Xian made a complaint, but then left the equipment room.

"Terrain avoidance radar?" Wang Chenchen muttered in confusion.

Operations Analysis Room, 3rd Division Headquarters

"Li Cheng, didn't you say you had one more person? Why haven't you shown up yet? If you don't come soon, your division might be doomed," Huang Jue said with a laugh.

Li Cheng's expression was somewhat unpleasant. He was also wondering why Xu Xian hadn't taken off yet, since he was supposed to be at the base. If he didn't come soon, it would be too late.

Just then, a signal point suddenly appeared near the headquarters of the Third Division, and its location was at the Luohang Flight Base.

"It's taken off?" Wang Zhaoxin's eyelids twitched. At this moment, Xu Xian's location was exactly to the south and north of the remaining fighter jets of the Third Division, still some distance apart: "Should we regroup first?"

At this moment, the two fighter jets were too far apart to coordinate, remaining in a one-on-one situation. How could they possibly counter the eleven fighter jets of the Sixth Division of the Guangdong Air Force?

At this moment, Li Cheng received a report from Wang Chenchen, but after only a few words, Li Cheng's face darkened: "You mean Xu Xian was piloting a C-16A? There aren't any other models at the base? Neither the C nor the E models?"

Leaving aside the E-type equipped with an active phased array radar, at least give Xu Xian a C-type, but instead they only gave him the most basic A-type, which greatly dissatisfied Li Cheng.

"Captain Li, there's really no other way. Right now, the base only has the A/B type and the reconnaissance R type left. We really have no other choice," Wang Chenchen said helplessly.

Li Cheng's face turned ashen: "Understood."

He immediately hung up the phone!

"Hey Li Cheng, I think I just heard that the plane that took off was an A-type! No way, I didn't mishear, did I? Isn't your Luohang fleet supposed to be a fighter jet museum? You even have the extremely rare C-16IN Super Viper, why don't you show me?" Huang Jue laughed. "This whole operation is about to be shut down, there's no need to hide anything, is there?"

Li Cheng's expression grew increasingly grim. The C-16A was a product of the 1980s, and even now, it was at a disadvantage against some advanced third-generation fighters. Not to mention that Xu Xian's mission was already extremely demanding, and the fact that he didn't even have a suitable vehicle was simply unacceptable.

Looking at Wang Zhaoxin, whose face was ashen, Li Cheng could only grit his teeth and say, "Brother Wang, I'm sorry."

When Wang Zhaoxin learned that Xu Xian was only piloting a C-16A, his last glimmer of hope was extinguished. This C-16A aircraft could not provide Xu Xian with sufficient assistance; in fact, it would only hinder him, making the already difficult situation even worse.

"It's nothing," Wang Zhaoxin shook his head. "It was destined to happen anyway."

At that moment, Wang Zhaoxin truly lost even his last shred of hope.

In the air, after the emergency takeoff, Xu Xian immediately switched to the designated channel and contacted the only remaining fighter jet from the 3rd Division: "051, 054, call!"

051 was the only remaining aircraft from the 3rd Division. However, judging from its call sign, it seems its pilot wasn't exactly a veteran pilot!

"054, 051, please reply." The reply came quickly from the channel.

Xu Xian felt the voice sounded vaguely familiar. However, the situation was urgent and there was no time to figure it out, so he asked directly, "You've located the enemy aircraft formation?"

"That's right! I just tried to get a closer look and I've roughly figured out their location. It should be around your eleven o'clock position, less than a hundred kilometers away," 051 said. "They took a detour to take out the remaining air defense missile brigade, otherwise their progress would have been even faster."

"Did they find you?" Xu Xian asked.

"Yes, their radar is very powerful; my location has probably been exposed. However, my radar signal is weak, and they haven't completely locked onto me yet; they only roughly know where I am."

"It's actually easier for them to know where you are," Xu Xian sneered. "051, I have a plan here that I need your cooperation with!"

The aircraft group of the Sixth Division of the Guangdong Air Force.

Firefox One: "Falcon One, Tit One, keep the radar on. Ignore the rest of the 3rd Division kid and head straight for the division headquarters."

"Firefox One, aren't there some potential problems?" Falcon One was still a little worried. Now that success was imminent, he was actually feeling somewhat hesitant and anxious.

"You all saw that kid on the radar when he came close for reconnaissance. It wasn't a C-20 at all; it was probably a third-generation fighter jet with stealth features. While these semi-stealth aircraft have some advantage over ours in terms of radar concealment, there aren't many of them. We can easily overwhelm them with sheer numbers. If we let this kid stall us any longer, what if the third division's fighters, who are locked in a fierce battle with the fourth naval air division, come back to reinforce us? The longer we wait, the more problems we might encounter. We can't let a fly slow us down." FireFox One said decisively, "This kid is clearly playing hide-and-seek with us. It would be a mistake for us to waste too much energy on him!"

Although almost all of the 3rd Division's air power is currently locked in a fierce battle with the 4th Naval Aviation Division, there's no guarantee that some fighters won't be able to return to provide support. This is a golden opportunity; they can't afford to delay any longer. Even at the risk of losing a few aircraft, FireFox One decided to take down the 3rd Division headquarters first.

Just then, a dot suddenly lit up on Tit One's radar, and he immediately called out, "Tit One, unidentified aircraft detected."

Because the radar search angles were set differently, it was not long after that Firefox 1 and Falcon 1 saw the unidentified signal on their respective radar screens.

"It's that kid!" Firefox One grinned. "Can't take it anymore, not hiding? Perfect! Let's go, and take care of this kid while we're at it."

The enemy aircraft signal point was right on their flight path to the division headquarters. They didn't even need to take a detour. They could just take it out without delaying anything. It was perfect.

So, the eleven fighter jets headed menacingly toward the Type 051 fighter jet.

At this moment, in the division's operations analysis room, everyone watched as Xu Xian's Type 054 and Type 051 fighter jets gradually closed in. Huang Jue sneered, "They really did get together after all."

Individual combat does limit the effectiveness of fighter jets; only formation combat is a relatively normal combat method. But for Huang Jue, having two fighter jets together is just right, so he can take them out together and avoid having one or two flies buzzing around his ear, disturbing the peace and quiet.

Wang Zhaoxin and Li Cheng, who were standing next to Huang Jue, remained silent and watched the big screen quietly.

Suddenly, the Type 051 fighter jet accelerated sharply, shaking off Xu Xian's aircraft and heading straight towards the enemy formation. This left everyone completely dumbfounded.

"Just like that? Has he given up? Hahaha!" Huang Jue was also surprised that the Type 051 fighter jet, which had been harassing them for so long, would ignore everything else and charge straight into their formation. Previously, the Type 051 fighter jet had been constantly harassing the 6th Division of the Guangdong Air Force with its relatively superior stealth capabilities, causing the 6th Division a lot of annoyance. Why did it suddenly stop with the tricks and go straight for a head-on battle?

Huang Jue thought that the only explanation was self-abandonment.

However, just as Huang was feeling pleased with himself, Xu Xian's vehicle, which was lagging behind the Type 051 fighter jet, suddenly disappeared from the screen. Everyone present was stunned.

"Where's the signal? Where's the signal from aircraft 054?" Wang Zhaoxin paused for a moment, then immediately turned to question the technicians.

The technician typed away on the keyboard, but couldn't find anything obvious: "Commander, please wait a moment."

All the aircraft participating in the exercise were equipped with air combat simulation pods, which continuously transmitted aircraft data, and signal interruptions were rare. To be honest, this was the first time the technicians had encountered such a situation.

In fact, besides technical issues, the loss of signal could also be due to a plane crash. However, Wang Zhaoxin simply didn't believe Xu Xian's plane would crash.

"No, this is too strange. There must be a connection." Li Cheng's eyes kept darting back and forth on the battlefield situation image. He believed that the unusual behavior of the 051 fighter jet just now must be related to the disappearance of Xu Xian's aircraft signal.

An unusual action might just be a coincidence, but if two fighter jets exhibit unusual behavior at the same time, it could have a different meaning.

Suddenly, Li Cheng remembered the place where Xu Xian's signal had disappeared, and turned to shout at the technicians: "Overlay the topographic map on it."

"Topographic map?" Wang Zhaoxin frowned, then quickly realized what was going on. Just then, the technicians, following instructions, overlaid the topographic map onto the battlefield situation image.

When the topographic map appeared, the spot where Xu Xian's signal had disappeared was exactly at the beginning of a river valley. In the image, this valley extended all the way to the advance path of the Sixth Division of the Guangdong Air Force!

"He's going to cross the valley?" Li Cheng was shocked. "He's going to break through at extremely low altitudes?"

The valley was flanked by cliffs, which naturally hindered the signal transmission of the air combat simulation pod, and Xu Xian's vehicle signal was thus lost.

"Impossible, impossible! No one can cross this valley! He's courting death!" Huang Jue shouted.

In preparation for this raid on the 3rd Division headquarters, the 6th Air Division of Guangdong would certainly have made ample preparations. This river valley was naturally within their consideration. However, after careful evaluation, the 6th Air Division of Guangdong concluded that the flight conditions in this river valley were too adverse to complete the infiltration.

This valley is not only winding and meandering, but also very narrow, leaving little room for maneuver. In addition, there are often jagged rocks on both sides, which could easily cause an aircraft to crash into them.

The key is

"This valley is broken; there's no way he could have stayed hidden there forever," Huang Jue said coldly.

Sure enough, the topographic map showed a break in the middle of the valley. Aircraft couldn't pass through that area at all; they had to fly out first, then fly close to the ground for a short distance before they could re-enter the valley.

As soon as the plane leaves the valley, the Sixth Division's radar will be able to detect it, and the effect of the surprise attack will be greatly reduced.

In Huang Jue's view, Xu Xian's ultra-low-altitude raid was a completely pointless act of suicide. Apart from endangering his own life, it had absolutely no practical combat significance.

"So...so that's why he sent the 051 straight at the enemy formation?" Li Cheng murmured. "A feint to the east, a strike to the west!"

Upon hearing this, Huang Jue's expression changed drastically.

(End of this chapter)