Chapter 1306 Farewell

Three days later, early morning.

Longbao Air Force Base—this colossal structure, transformed from the former Longdongbao International Airport through multiple rounds of frenzied expansion and militarization after the apocalypse, lies quietly nestled in the morning mist and dawn.

Through continuous expansion, its area is now vastly different from what it used to be; roughly estimated, it is more than four times the size it was before the apocalypse.

At first glance, the runway, taxiway, apron, hangar complex, and various support facilities resemble a chessboard made of steel and cement, extending in all directions until they disappear into the outline of the distant mountains.

This is the absolute heart of the Central Theater Command Air Force, the central hub for the take-off, landing, maintenance, and command of the "Long Sky Sharp Blade"!

The air is perpetually filled with the distinctive smell of aviation fuel, as well as the deep roar of engines being tested in the distance.

The towering radar antennas rotated slowly, and the missile launchers on the air defense positions were faintly visible under the camouflage netting. The ubiquitous air defense guards and patrol convoys filled this vast area with a cold and efficient rhythm of war.

At this moment, on a special tarmac near the transport aircraft parking area, the atmosphere was somewhat different from the overall cold and hard atmosphere of the base.

A tan military minibus sat quietly, a striking red banner draped over its side, bearing the words in large white letters:

"Carrying the glory of rejuvenation, we march to our battle-hardened posts! Our alma mater eagerly awaits the good news!"

The banner swayed gently in the cool morning breeze.

Beside the car, Gu Yun (a pseudonym used by the military academy student) was dressed in a crisp new starry sky camouflage training uniform. On his shoulders, the gold epaulettes of a lieutenant colonel with two bars and two stars gleamed in the morning light.

He carried a large, bulging military field backpack on his back. At the very top of the backpack, a bright yellow plastic basin was firmly secured with straps, becoming a distinctive "top decoration" characteristic of military camps.

He carried a heavy combat reserve bag in one hand and a small black handbag containing personal belongings in the other.

Beneath the brim of his training cap, his youthful face was more defined than when he enrolled, his skin was a healthy tan, and his eyes shone with an astonishing brightness, his gaze clear and resolute.

Because the number of graduates assigned to the Jinling Military Sub-district was not large, there were only 3 people in the advanced training department including him, and 4 newly commissioned captains in the general recruitment department, for a total of seven people.

Therefore, the theater command did not arrange a special plane for them, but instead coordinated with the Y-20B strategic transport aircraft squadron that was transporting supplies to the Jinling Military Sub-district, allowing them to "hitch a ride".

Beside Gu Yun, the other six trainees who were also going to Jinling were also ready to go. Among them was Wang Yu, his classmate from Chongqing, who was wearing the rank of captain. He was also carrying a lot of bags. Unlike the sadness of parting with his other classmates, Wang Yu's face was full of anticipation for the road ahead.

At this moment, they are saying goodbye and exchanging pleasantries with the military academy teachers who came to see them off, as well as a few classmates who are resting at the night market or waiting for transport planes from other directions.

The background behind him was a breathtaking scene:

An entire squadron of Y-20B "Kunpeng" strategic transport aircraft, like several giant steel whales, lay quietly on the wide tarmac.

Ground crew drove various vehicles back and forth, and the huge rear hatch was open, revealing the deep belly of the aircraft.

Using conveyor belts and lifting platforms, boxes of supplies labeled with different symbols—ammunition, medical equipment, engineering materials, packaged food, clothing, and other supplies—are being loaded into the containers in an orderly manner.

The engine hadn't even started, but the overwhelming momentum of preparing the logistics for a major operation was already palpable, more exhilarating than any farewell drink.

The send-off ceremony was simple yet sincere. The team leader and instructors spoke one after another, offering words of advice such as "Remember your mission," "Pay attention to safety," and "Bring glory to your alma mater." But in this context, they carried special weight.

Then, Colonel Zhang Haifeng, who had just been appointed as the deputy brigade commander of the 11th Combined Arms Brigade of the 1st Group Army, also took time out of his busy schedule to come.

The 1st Army Group is currently undergoing large-scale rest and replenishment around the night market. Although Zhang Haifeng has already taken up his post, his station is not far away. Upon learning that Gu Yun was departing today, he made a special trip to come.

Zhang Haifeng walked up to Gu Yun, looking at the face that was much younger than his own, yet equally resolute, with a complex expression in his eyes.

He seemed to see his younger brother, who had joined the army with him many years ago, competed with him on the training field, and patrolled side by side on the border, through Gu Yun.

The younger brother's smile was forever frozen in that fierce anti-drug battle... This made him feel an inexplicable brotherly concern for "Gu Yun," who was also young and about to go to the real front line.

He reached out and patted Gu Yun's shoulder forcefully.

“Xiao Gu,” Zhang Haifeng’s voice was low and serious, lacking his usual politeness:

"The situation in Nanjing is complicated; it's truly the front line. Now that you're under Commander Zhao's command, do a good job and don't disgrace our 'Revival Phase I'!"

"But at the same time, we must remember that only by living can we have everything, continue to fight, and see victory!"

These words went beyond ordinary classmates' blessings; they were more like heartfelt words from a veteran who had experienced life and death to a younger generation.

Hearing this, Gu Yun felt a warmth in her heart, straightened her posture, and solemnly replied, "Thank you, Brother Feng! I've remembered it all!"

Zhang Haifeng nodded, said nothing more, and squeezed Gu Yun's hand tightly again.

Several other students who were also waiting to be assigned a transport plane, or whose residences were nearby and came to see them off, also gathered around.

Most of the time, they would pat you on the shoulder and say things like, "Keep in touch when you get there," "Make a name for yourself," or "We're waiting for your good news."

The atmosphere was somewhat heavy, but also filled with unspoken encouragement between men.

At this very moment——

"Woo-hum-hum!"

A deep, resonant, and penetrating engine roar came from afar, like muffled thunder rolling across the airport's wide concrete surface, instantly drowning out the noise and farewells at the scene.

Everyone's eyes instinctively turned to look in the direction of the sound.

A small but imposing convoy was steadily approaching from the main road inside the base.

Leading the way were three Type 11 wheeled armored assault vehicles. The coaxial machine guns on the turrets and the additional armor on the hulls gleamed with a cold, hard luster in the morning light. They were arranged in a triangular formation, conveying a sense of vigilance and clearing the way.

Following closely behind was a gray executive minibus with a low-key appearance, square lines, and obvious bulletproof modifications, with extremely dark tinted windows.

Two Mengshi 3 armored assault vehicles closely guarded the sides and rear of the Chinese and Pakistani vehicles. Although the weapon stations on the roofs were covered with canvas, the imposing presence of their outlines was not diminished at all.

The convoy of vehicles moved with an inexplicable air of authority, the rhythm of their engines steady and powerful, making even the air seem a little heavier.

Seeing this scene, the teachers from Fuxing Military Academy who were seeing them off, as well as several astute officer cadets such as Zhang Haifeng, all had their pupils slightly constricted, and their faces showed an knowing look of "I knew it."

Their gazes, unanimously and with complex and indescribable meaning, fell upon Gu Yun, who stood in the center of the crowd, clearly stunned.