"Really? There are such drawbacks in the recruitment process across various regions?"
Song Heguo seemed somewhat disbelieving.
Dan Nan replied with an embarrassed expression.
"Commander, this is indeed the case. Primarily, the cultivator realm is too chaotic. If we don't screen them through such methods, we worry too many people with ill intentions will infiltrate!"
"Slap!"
Song Heguo instantly erupted in anger.
"Nonsense! Does going through cultivation families guarantee that everyone is of upright character? Deputy Officer Dan, you will personally handle this matter and must provide me with a more perfect plan. All cultivators are equal; everyone has the right to serve the country and enjoy the benefits of spiritual veins!"
Upon hearing this, Dan Nan immediately complied.
"Yes!"
Han Lang and the others were also overjoyed.
They never expected that Tang Geng's words, "Wait until you have the ability to change it," spoken when they were worried about the Zhao family's deliberate obstruction, would actually come true today.
"Thank you, Commander Song. I thank you on behalf of all rogue cultivators like me for your understanding!"
Song Heguo waved his hand.
"You are too kind. This was our oversight; there's no need for thanks. Your suggestion is excellent. This isn't a reward, you can make further requests!"
These words made everyone exchange bewildered glances again.
They truly couldn't think of what else they should ask for.
Helplessly, Ma Long, unable to contain his impatience, spoke up.
"Commander Song, I'd like to exchange for a pair of Immortal-grade gauntlets. Is that possible?"
Song Heguo replied almost without hesitation.
"No problem! As long as you can wield it, and the military has such items, it's absolutely fine!"
As Song Heguo spoke, he gestured to his attendant to note down Ma Long's request.
With Ma Long taking the lead, Tang Geng also quickly said.
"Then I want an Immortal artifact sword!"
"Granted!"
Zhao Wu stated, "I want an Immortal artifact heavy weapon, anything will do, as long as it's similar to the Brahma Gold Bell I used before it was destroyed!"
"Noted!"
...
Watching everyone state their desires, Han Lang's mind also began to wander.
He cautiously asked.
"Commander Song, does the military have needle-type spiritual artifacts? For example, something like the Ding Hai Shen Zhen?"
Song Heguo was about to agree without thinking, then suddenly realized.
"What? Ding Hai Shen Zhen? Are you trying to stir up trouble in the East Sea?"
Han Lang quickly explained.
"No, no. My cultivation technique, the Eighteen Needles of Shen Nong, records that in ancient times, there were eighteen different needle-type spiritual artifacts. They even had names and appearances. So I just wanted to ask if they truly exist! Hehe..."
Song Heguo was speechless upon hearing this.
"Han Lang, it's not that I disagree. We truly don't have such things. I've heard of the weapons you mentioned. But those are existences that surpassed divine artifacts in ancient times. They are on the same level as our Red Flag. Do you think I would be lacking if I had these?"
Han Lang thought about it.
Indeed.
The Shen Nong Imperial Needle Technique did record these divine artifacts, but in this era of declining magic, if they truly existed, they would have likely been used to fight the superhumans long ago.
Why would they be hidden, leading to the sacrifice of so many comrades in the special forces?
"Hehe, I was just asking casually. It's fine, my golden needle works very well, I don't need to change it. Hehe,"
Han Lang said, and to avoid awkwardness, he quickly changed the subject and asked Liu Xiaoxiao beside him.
"Political Commissar Liu, what do you want?"
Liu Xiaoxiao shook her head. "I haven't cultivated any techniques that require the use of weapons, so I have no such requests. Moreover, I have a general idea of what the Special Special Forces possess. So, I'll pass! You should ask Tang Qin!"
When Tang Qin was mentioned, everyone's gaze instantly turned to her.
It was at this moment that they realized that Tang Qin, who had been as cheerful as everyone else, now looked sad.
She lowered her head, seeming to have something to say but hesitating.
"What's wrong? Tang Qin?" Han Lang asked with concern.
Song Heguo also comforted her.
"Tang Qin, feel free to state any request. Although the Special Forces don't have the divine artifact needles that Han Lang wants, they do have the Immortal artifact claws you use. If you want them, I'll search the entire military to find them for you, alright?"
Tang Qin was deeply moved by these words.
She looked up at Song Heguo, her eyes welling up with tears.
"Thank you, Commander Song. But I don't want these things. What I want most now is to go home!"
Tang Qin had no other thoughts in her mind.
On this trip to the White Elephant Country, she had nearly died.
After being treated by Han Lang, she had always had the desire to go home and see her father.
Tang Haoran had only her as his daughter.
If she had truly died this time, she couldn't imagine how Tang Haoran would spend the rest of his life. 138 Reading Network
Therefore, she had been heavy-hearted these past few days.
She didn't want anything, only to go home and see her father.
But her words surprised everyone.
Go home?
Yes.
Home.
These two words caused everyone's hearts to ache.
It had been almost three years.
Three years without going home.
It wasn't that they didn't want to, but they all adhered to the motto of dedicating their passion to the country, making it difficult to dedicate to their families.
At this moment, Tang Qin's words made everyone feel a pang of sadness.
Luo Jiaying was still waiting for Han Lang at home.
Wang Fang and Tongtong were looking forward to Ma Long.
The Zhao and Tang families would likely be eager to receive news from Tang Geng and Zhao Wu.
For a moment, the atmosphere became somber.
Seeing everyone's expressions, Liu Xiaoxiao also said to Song Heguo.
"Commander, why not grant Tang Qin's request and let them all go home to see their families?"
Song Heguo sighed.
Having been a soldier his entire life, how could he not understand the thoughts in Tang Qin and the others' hearts?
How could he not understand the helplessness of soldiers?
Let alone these young people who sacrificed their lives for the interests of the nation?
He wasn't heartless; how could he not understand their feelings?
"How about this. I will grant your requests for Immortal artifacts, including Tang Qin's Immortal artifact claws. At the same time, I will also grant you a special leave of half a month. Since there have been no recent movements from the superhumans, take this opportunity to go home and see your families!"
Upon hearing Song Heguo's words, everyone was overjoyed.
"Really? We can really go home?"
Song Heguo smiled and nodded.
"I'm old, would I lie to you? Tomorrow morning, I'll arrange a plane to send you to the Xingcheng Military Base, and then dispatch special vehicles to take you all home. However, I have a condition: after half a month, everyone must report back to duty immediately, no delays!"
Hearing this, everyone finally confirmed the good news.
They immediately cheered and celebrated with high-fives.
Seeing everyone's joy, Song Heguo was also infected, and his demeanor instantly became like that of a kind elder at home.
"Alright. I know you're happy, but there's no need to be so excited. Besides, there are still a few outsiders here!"
Upon hearing Song Heguo's words, Han Lang and the others were instantly embarrassed, their faces flushing red.
"Sorry. We got carried away. Please forgive us, Commander!"
Song Heguo chuckled, "You are too kind! Get some good rest tonight, and tomorrow morning, we'll send you home!"