However, the tactical manual issued by Chen Gu's Researcher 745 had already proven its value in actual combat. Generals like Ling Yitong did not have much opposition to Chen Gu serving as the president of the research institute.

But they all strictly emphasized to their own troops the need to use these tactical manuals flexibly, adapting them to actual conditions without blindly implementing them.

Now, Ling Yitong found himself in a dilemma.

Chen Gu was someone his "big boss" valued, yet Ling Yitong felt that Chen Gu might not be up to the task. However, he couldn't express his doubts openly without offending Marshal Bai.

After some thought, Ling Yitong issued a series of commands, "Send Zheng Zhixing to support Han Zhuangzhi's group. Have Han Zhuangzhi hold his position and wait for Zheng Zhixing to arrive."

"Yes!"

Director Xue frowned, somewhat unclear about Ling Yitong's intentions.

Ling Yitong certainly had his own agenda. If there was anyone who could, through their own strength, create an opportunity for a comprehensive surprise attack to eradicate the Subterraneans during reconnaissance, Ling Yitong placed more faith in his own subordinate, Zheng Zhixing, than in Chen Gu.

Since Marshal Bai insisted he make arrangements in advance to seize the so-called "opportunity," and he didn't trust Chen Gu to create such an opportunity, he decided he might as well dispatch his own man to see if there was a chance.

Within the base, a flying vehicle rapidly deployed. Aboard it sat an upright soldier of slight build, with a hawk-like nose and penetrating eyes. He knew the mission he was on was of grave importance. Yet, he felt no fear; instead, a sense of anticipation welled within him.

If I can prove myself in this operation, I can catch Marshal Bai's attention—it's an excellent chance to make a name for myself!

In Ling Yitong's staff, Zheng Zhixing was acknowledged as the top tactical master.

Chen Gu's squad, which had already entered the cave and advanced several dozen meters, suddenly received Ling Yitong's orders. What does this mean? everyone wondered.

But holding their position on the spot was clearly not a wise choice. After discussing it with Han Zhuangzhi, the squad exited the cave and waited outside the entrance.

The flying vehicle was fast, delivering Zheng Zhixing in a matter of minutes. After exchanging salutes with Han Zhuangzhi, Zheng Zhixing unceremoniously declared, "From now on, I'm taking over command of the entire team!"

His rank was much higher than Han Zhuangzhi's, so Han Zhuangzhi had no objections. "Yes!"

Zheng Zhixing swept his gaze over everyone, his eyes lingering on Chen Gu for a moment before he waved his hand. "Move out!"

During the ten or so minutes they had waited, the other three squads had already encountered sporadic ambushes by the Subterraneans. Fortunately, the seasoned scouts managed to eliminate the ambushers without much trouble and continued to push forward.

Back at the command center, Ling Yitong had already formed a clear picture. The Subterraneans have detected our movements, he thought. They're likely trying to use delaying tactics to obstruct our teams.

The addition of one person to Chen Gu's squad didn't significantly alter its overall strength, keeping it roughly on par with the other squads.

Zheng Zhixing indeed had a knack for tactics. Under his command, Chen Gu, who had been at the vanguard, was pulled back. Han Zhuangzhi and another warrior took the lead instead. He still directed the soldiers to keep the three new recruits protected in the center.

Chen Gu kept his Mind Belief active, sensing for any surrounding danger.

Suddenly, they arrived at a fork with three smaller caves leading in different directions.

Thanks to Mind Belief, Chen Gu had a subconscious feeling that they should take the far-right cave.

Zheng Zhixing pulled up the map and studied it carefully. "We'll take the far-left one," he decided. "Based on our initial intelligence, the Subterraneans' main encampment is likely in one of four locations."

He circled four spots on the map.

"That's why four squads were dispatched," he continued. "Given our current position, our primary task is to scout Location Three."

He pointed to one of the marked locations. "Taking the left path is the quickest route to Location Three."

Chen Gu kept his opinion to himself. Zheng Zhixing's reasoning was sound, yet Chen Gu's Mind Belief strongly suggested the left tunnel would be empty.

So, the squad executed the order, advancing into the left cave entrance.

Ling Yitong, observing from the rear base, nodded in approval. He was clearly satisfied with Zheng Zhixing's decision; his subordinate hadn't disappointed him.

By now, the squads had advanced several hundred meters underground, pushing signal transmission to its limits.

Everyone was prepared for this eventuality; the scouts had already deployed signal relay devices.

These devices not only relayed signals back to the command center but also allowed the squads to communicate with each other.

However, the other three squads had already encountered repeated resistance from the Subterraneans. One team had already faced three ambushes, the most of any squad. Yet, Chen Gu's team had not run into a single Subterranean.

Did we take the wrong path? Han Zhuangzhi couldn't help but wonder.

Zheng Zhixing stated confidently, "Not necessarily. It's possible the Subterraneans are feigning weakness to lure us deeper. Their main encampment could be just ahead!"

Chen Gu mentally rolled his eyes. Fine, let's keep going, he thought.

After advancing about four hundred meters underground, the video feed in the command center suddenly distorted and flickered. The signal had become extremely unstable.

"General, the subterranean magnetic interference is intense," a staff officer reported.

However, this unit had been stationed on Maoshi Star for an extended period. They had conducted numerous extermination campaigns against the Subterraneans and were thus highly experienced in handling such situations, for which they were well-prepared.

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