Rebirth in the Dragon Kingdom: The Strongest Blade

Chapter 84 An Eye for an Eye

The conference room at the Qianlong base was filled with smoke.

Twelve people sat on either side of the long conference table—five core members of the Qianlong team, including Dragon King, Dragon Head, Lin Zhe, and Dragon Tooth, as well as several heads of the Intelligence Department, Technology Department, and Operations Department.

The large screen on the wall displayed a summary report of the border operation: 24 enemy agents killed, 18 captured, including CIA senior advisor Dr. Robert Miller. No casualties were reported on our side, and we successfully rescued Li Jianjun, a senior engineer from the General Armaments Department.

"The data is impressive." The Dragon King stubbed out his cigarette and looked around at everyone. "But Dr. Miller's words before his arrest are something we should be wary of. He said this operation itself was a test—using the lives of dozens of peripheral agents to probe our capabilities."

Intelligence Chief Zhao Ming adjusted his glasses: "The analysis team believes Miller is telling the truth. Judging from the hierarchy of those arrested, most are at the execution level; the real core is only Miller himself. They are indeed sacrificing themselves for intelligence."

Liu, the head of the technical department, explained: "We inspected the captured equipment and found that many of them were equipped with real-time data transmission capabilities. In other words, from the moment they entered the country until they were captured or killed, all operational data—route selection, encounter reactions, and combat processes—was transmitted back to the headquarters in Country M in a synchronized manner."

A moment of silence fell over the conference room.

Longya slammed his fist on the table: "Damn it, these bastards are using human lives as stepping stones!"

"Intelligence warfare has always been like this," the Dragon Head said calmly. "To obtain the greatest information with the least cost. This time they lost dozens of men, but they have likely already grasped our reaction patterns, tracking technology, and combat habits."

"So next time they come, they'll be more targeted," Lin Zhe continued.

All eyes were on him.

Lin Zhe stood up, walked to the large screen, and pulled up a world map. He used a laser pointer to point to the location of the United States.

"Gentlemen, I have an idea." His voice wasn't loud, but it was clear and powerful. "In the past, our technology was backward, and our military strength was inferior, so we could only passively defend ourselves. But now—"

The laser pointer swept across several icons on the screen: "'Dragon-10' fighter jet, 'Longyuan-class' submarine, new-generation main battle tank, holographic combat system... The technological level of these equipment has completely surpassed that of the US's current equipment. Our individual combat capabilities," he glanced at Longya and the others, "are among the world's best."

"So?" The Dragon King looked at him.

"Therefore, we should no longer be passively attacked." Lin Zhe said, emphasizing each word. "I suggest that we take the initiative, enter the territory of the United States, enter their military research institutions, and steal their cutting-edge technology."

The meeting room was silent for a few seconds, then erupted into chaos.

"What? Stealing technology from the US?"

"That's too risky!"

"If we fail, we will be in an extremely passive diplomatic position!"

Opposition arose one after another. The dragon head frowned in thought, while the dragon king remained expressionless.

Lin Zhe waited until everyone quieted down before continuing, "There are three reasons. First, knowing yourself and your enemy is the key to victory. After all, the United States is a military power, and their research directions and technological approaches are valuable for us—even if we are already ahead, we still need to know what our opponents are doing."

"Second, retaliation." His voice turned cold. "This time they infiltrated our country, kidnapped our researchers, and tested our bottom line. If we don't respond in kind, or even twice as much, they will think we are weak and will be even more reckless next time."

"Third, and most importantly—" Lin Zhe's gaze swept over everyone, "We need to make them truly understand what 'Hidden Dragon' is. Not the special forces they imagine, but a ghost force that can appear anywhere, complete any mission, and then vanish without a trace. Only such a deterrent will make them think twice before planning their next operation."

Longya was the first to stand up: "I agree! Our sabotage in the US last time wasn't ruthless enough. This time, we'll raid their headquarters and take everything they own!"

Dragon Claw, Dragon Shadow, and Dragon Thorn also expressed their support.

But the section chiefs were still hesitant.

Zhao Ming from the intelligence department said, "Lin Zhe, I understand your thoughts. But do you know how tight the defenses are on the American mainland? Many of their military research institutions are hundreds of meters underground, guarded by troops, and equipped with the most advanced security systems. Getting in is no less difficult than breaching a fortress."

"I know," Lin Zhe nodded. "So we need a meticulous plan, and also... some special equipment."

He looked at Engineer Liu from the technical department: "Director Liu, how's the progress on those individual soldier equipment design proposals I submitted last time?"

Engineer Liu opened the folder: "The stealth combat suit has passed testing and can achieve over 90% optical stealth under specific environments. The micro-drone swarm has completed its third round of improvements, and its endurance and anti-jamming capabilities have met the standards. The neural interface control system is still in the experimental stage, but its basic functions are already available."

"That's enough," Lin Zhe said. "With this equipment and the abilities of the Qianlong team members, I'm 70% confident."

"Seventy percent?" The operations director shook his head. "That's too low. For this kind of cross-border operation, we need at least a ninety percent certainty before we can even consider it."

"Nothing is 100% certain on the battlefield," Lin Zhe said, looking at him. "But we can make sure our preparations are 100% complete."

The Dragon King, who had remained silent until now, finally spoke: "Lin Zhe, what level of authorization do you need?"

"Special approval from the Central Military Commission, top secret." Lin Zhe said without hesitation, "The entire operation will be kept secret, with only a very small number of people aware of it. Even if it fails, we cannot leave any evidence."

The Dragon King took a deep breath and looked at the Dragon Head: "What's your opinion?"

After a long silence, the dragon head slowly said, "From a military perspective, I support it. But considering the political risks... we cannot make this decision."

"Then let's report this to our superiors," the Dragon King decided. "Lin Zhe, prepare a detailed action plan, including target selection, route, equipment requirements, risk assessment, and contingency plan. The Dragon Chief and I will report to the Central Military Commission. As for whether it will be approved..."

He looked at Lin Zhe: "It depends on whether your plan can convince those old generals."

"Understood." Lin Zhe nodded.

Meeting adjourned.

After the meeting, Lin Zhe did not return to his dormitory, but went directly to the base's operations planning room.

This is a completely soundproof room, with walls made of special materials that prevent electromagnetic wave leakage. In the center of the room is a huge electronic sand table that can simulate three-dimensional images of any terrain on Earth.

Lin Zhe pulled up a map of country M and began studying the target.

According to information gathered by China's intelligence agencies over many years, the United States has several top-tier military research institutions:

1. "Skunk Works" primarily develops stealth fighters and drones.

II. The "Black Project" research center is responsible for the development of next-generation bombers and space weapons.

3. The "Future Technology Lab" focuses on research areas including artificial intelligence, bioengineering, and quantum computing.

These places are all impregnable fortresses.

Lin Zhe focused his research on DARPA's laboratories. This was because the research there wasn't on specific weapons, but on fundamental technologies—and these technologies were often revolutionary.

According to intelligence, the DARPA laboratory is located 300 meters underground and has seven floors. The above-ground portion is disguised as an ordinary commercial office building, while the underground area is the true core area. Access requires triple verification: iris scan, fingerprint scan, and dynamic password. It has an independent power supply system and air circulation system, allowing it to sustain itself for three months even if sealed off.

Even more troublesome is the security—laser mesh, pressure-sensitive floors, thermal imaging surveillance, and 24-hour armed guard patrols. There's also reportedly an AI-powered security system that can analyze human behavior patterns and immediately trigger an alarm upon detecting anomalies.

"It really does look like an iron barrel," Lin Zhe muttered to himself.

But he smiled. The more difficult it is, the more valuable it becomes.

He began to formulate an initial plan. First, he needed to obtain detailed structural diagrams of the laboratory—this could be achieved by hacking into the internal network of the US Department of Defense. Second, he needed to solve the authentication problem—3D printing technology could be used to create bionic masks and fingerprint films, while dynamic passwords needed to be intercepted in real time.

Once inside, the operation must be swift, completing the objective before the security system can fully react. At least three evacuation routes must be prepared: ground, underground, and air...

Lin Zhe was sketching on the electronic sand table, working for four hours straight.

At 10 p.m., he returned to his dormitory but did not rest. He turned on his encrypted computer and connected to the General Assembly Department's internal network.

A dialog box popped up on the screen: "Authentication successful. Welcome, Major General Lin Zhe."

Lin Zhe pulled up the document library, which contained technical materials he had compiled over the years—some of which had been handed over to the General Armament Department for research and development, while others were still in the theoretical stage.

He found several folders: "Design drawings of individual soldier exoskeleton system", "Principles of micro fusion battery", "Prototype plan of quantum communication machine"...

These are technologies ahead of their time. Exoskeleton systems allow soldiers to carry 100 kilograms of weight while still moving freely; miniature fusion batteries can provide power for months; and quantum communication is an absolutely secure communication method that cannot be eavesdropped on or interfered with.

Lin Zhe packaged the materials and sent them to Director Li of the Equipment Development Department of the General Armaments Department, along with a note: "Director Li, these technologies can begin preliminary research. Some may take five to ten years to become practical, but the direction is correct."

Less than three minutes later, Director Li called.

"Lin Zhe! These documents of yours... My God!" Director Li's voice trembled with excitement. "I can understand exoskeleton systems, but this miniature fusion battery... Is it really feasible? And quantum communication, our research institute is still in the theoretical stage, and you already have a prototype plan?"

"Theoretically, it's feasible," Lin Zhe said. "Practical implementation requires breakthroughs in materials science and engineering. Director Li, these things aren't urgent; we'll take it slowly. But what I want to say is—our technological reserves are far greater than outsiders imagine."

"I understand what you mean." Director Li calmed down. "You're trying to tell me that we have the confidence to do even bolder things."

"right."

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone: "Lin Zhe, I heard you're planning a major operation. Do you need the General Armaments Department's cooperation in anything?"

"Not for now," Lin Zhe said. "But if the operation is approved, it may require the rapid production of some special equipment."

"No problem. The General Armaments Department will give it its full support."

After hanging up the phone, Lin Zhe continued to refine the action plan.

At 2 a.m., his computer suddenly received an encrypted message. The sender was Dragon Head: "The Central Military Commission is holding an emergency meeting tonight to discuss your proposal. The old generals are very divided. Dragon King asked me to ask you—if you could convince them in one sentence, what would you say?"

Lin Zhe thought for a moment and replied, "Tell them—we were beaten a hundred years ago because we were backward. If we are beaten again today, it's not because we are backward, but because we dare not draw our swords. A sword in its sheath is just decoration. Only when a sword is drawn can it inspire awe."

After sending the message, Lin Zhe turned off his computer and went to the window.

The Qianlong Base was quiet under the cover of night, with only the occasional sound of patrolling footsteps. In the distance, lights were still on on the training ground—the reserve team was probably doing extra training.

These young people will one day become elite soldiers like Longya and his comrades. What Lin Zhe needs to do is fight for them, for this country, to create a future where they will no longer be bullied.

He recalled some memories from his past life—that world, too, had been constrained in many ways, with many technologies blocked and many fields hampered. But later, through the efforts of generations, it finally stood up.

In this life, he wants to make this process faster and more thorough.

My phone vibrated at four in the morning.

Lin Zhe answered the call. It was the Dragon King's voice, weary yet excited: "Approved. Special approval from the Central Military Commission, top secret, codename 'Operation Gold Rush.' Lin Zhe, you have one week to finalize the plan. The operation will commence in two weeks."

"Understood." Lin Zhe gripped his phone tightly. "I guarantee I'll complete the mission."

"Also, the leaders of the Central Military Commission asked me to pass on a message to you." The Dragon King paused, "They said—now that this sword has been entrusted to you, you must let the whole world see its sharpness."

"I will."

A new day is about to begin.

And a world-shaking operation is about to begin.

Country M, are you ready?

The Hidden Dragon is Coming