Western Theater Command, a high-altitude training ground.
Xu Mu wiped the mud off his face, his chest still heaving violently.
In the tactical confrontation just now, he defeated his last opponent by a narrow margin.
The referee's voice announced that he had won first place in the overall competition of the war zone.
The cheers around him and the throng of his comrades made him feel somewhat dazed.
Eight years of guarding the border on the plateau, and arduous training day and night.
It seemed as if everything had been rewarded at this moment.
However, the expected celebration and commendation did not materialize.
That night, he and two other comrades who won second and third place were quietly picked up by a dark green SUV without any markings.
They didn't even have time to say goodbye to their unit.
The car was transferred to an airplane, and then to a military jeep.
After an unknown amount of time, the scenery outside the window changed from a wasteland to a dense forest.
Finally, we entered what appeared to be an ordinary tunnel.
But after passing through the tunnel, the scene before him made Xu Mu sit up straight instantly.
"Where... where am I?!"
The massive, modern base hidden deep within the mountain before him was awe-inspiring.
The dome soared high, and the lights shone brightly.
He saw various pieces of equipment he had never seen before and people in different uniforms hurrying by.
They were led to a quiet room.
A stern-looking officer walked in and placed three documents in front of them.
"Comrade Xu Mu, Comrade Wang Lei, Comrade Li Zhuang."
The officer's voice carried an unquestionable authority.
"Until you decide whether to sign this document, everything you see here is top secret and must not be disclosed to anyone, including your immediate family. Now, please read carefully."
Xu Mu took a deep breath and picked up the document.
The title is in bold black font. "The Supreme Confidentiality Commitment and Voluntary Participation Agreement for the Southern Heavenly Gate Immortal Ascension Plan ".
He read on, word by word, his heart pounding faster and faster.
The terms above far exceeded his comprehension: "Alternate world civilization," "feasibility verification of immortal cultivation," " Spirit Root detection," "guidance of potential extraordinary power," and so on.
This is like something out of a novel!
He subconsciously looked up at the officer opposite him, then at his two equally dumbfounded comrades beside him.
"Commander... these... these are all true?"
Xu Mu's voice was somewhat dry due to nervousness.
The officer's gaze was calm and profound.
"Your very presence here is the highest recognition of your loyalty and character."
"Every word on this document is related to the future of the nation."
"Now, you need to make a choice."
"Signing it means you are voluntarily participating in an unprecedented exploration, which may involve unknown risks, but may also allow you to touch upon unimaginable powers."
"No... We will arrange for you to return to your original units, but everything here must be forgotten forever."
Xu Mu lowered his head and looked again at the heavy agreement.
Images of snow and wind at the border, and the national flag fluttering at the outpost flashed through my mind.
He took a deep breath and, without any hesitation, picked up the pen.
"Reporting, sir! I'll sign!"
Jing City, evening.
Lu Dahai and Liu Xiulan had just gotten home from work and were putting on their aprons to prepare dinner.
It's the weekend, and my daughter Lu Yao, who studies at the National University of Defense Technology, has come home.
I was helping wash vegetables in the kitchen, and the house was unusually warm and cozy.
"Dad, Mom, my brother has been 'away on business' for almost two years now, without even a vacation. What kind of secret work is he doing?"
While picking vegetables, Lu Yao couldn't help but ask again.
She asked this question no less than a hundred times.
"You silly child, didn't I tell you? Don't ask about matters of national importance that you shouldn't ask about?"
"People like Elder Deng Elder Yu haven't gone home even once in over ten years."
Lu Dahai scolded her verbally, but his face showed pride.
"Your brother is contributing to the country; let's not cause trouble."
The food had just been served when the doorbell rang.
Lu Dahai wiped his hands on his apron and opened the door.
A kind-looking middle-aged woman in a neighborhood office uniform stood outside.
"Brother Lu, Sister Liu, did I disturb your meal?"
The woman greeted them familiarly, "I just received a notice from above saying that we're going to arrange a comprehensive free medical check-up for the families of meritorious individuals in our district."
"The car is waiting downstairs. Would you like to go now if it's convenient for you?"
"A physical exam? Now?" Lu Dahai was taken aback.
"Yes, this is special treatment for your family. They provide transportation, and you're treated to the best facilities at a hospital within Jing City."
The official from the neighborhood committee explained with a smile.
Now everyone in the neighborhood knows how capable this couple's son is.
Lu Dahai and Liu Xiulan exchanged a glance, neither of them giving it much thought.
The fact that his son Lu Li, "made contributions to the country" seems to justify some special benefits.
The two even felt a sense of relief, feeling that the country still remembered them.
"Okay, okay, we'll go down now."
Lu Dahai quickly agreed and turned to call his daughter, " Yaoyao, stop eating, come on, let's go for a check-up with Mom and Dad!"
Lu Yao put down her chopsticks and obediently responded.
A flicker of doubt crossed my mind.
Medical examinations are usually scheduled for weekdays with advance notice.
She had never heard of anyone suddenly picking someone up at dusk, especially to take them to an "internal hospital."
The family went downstairs, and sure enough, there was a rather ordinary-looking minivan waiting for them.
The driver was taciturn. After the comrades from the neighborhood office warmly helped them get into the car, they waved goodbye.
The vehicle drove smoothly through the bustling city center.
Finally, we drove into a large compound that displayed a sign for an internal hospital of a certain organization.
The courtyard was quiet, shaded by green trees, and there were hardly any other patients or their families in sight.
Guided by a staff member, they entered a detached building.
The interior is simple yet modern, with soft lighting and a spotless environment. Medical staff in white coats walk with ease, and everything seems orderly, even... too quiet.
Lu Dahai and Liu Xiulan were taken to different examination rooms.
Lu Yao was led into a room that was not decorated like a conventional examination room by a female doctor with a gentle smile.
Inside were some strangely shaped instruments she had never seen before.
Looking at the empty corridor and the overly "professional" environment, Lu Yao's doubts gradually grew.
She stopped the female doctor who was about to perform a routine examination and asked in a low voice:
"Doctor, is this physical exam... really just a routine check-up?"
The female doctor paused slightly, maintaining a professional smile, but her tone carried an undeniable sense of reassurance.
"Don't worry, it's just a very comprehensive health assessment, for the sake of your family's health."
Lu Yao didn't press further, but she understood perfectly well.
This medical checkup... is definitely not simple!