Huo Shaoheng slightly inclined his head toward the microphone on the podium and calmly stated, "You're not supposed to know. The Sixth Military Region evolved from the Special Operations Division under direct command of Central Military Headquarters. It's not intended as a bright symbol but rather the guardian lurking in shadows. Apart from territories and issues under the five main military regions, all other areas fall under our jurisdiction."
This arrangement was a carefully negotiated compromise between the central military command and the five major military regions. Huo Shaoheng had been specifically assigned by central command to form this new Sixth Military Region.
"Wait a minute," interjected a perplexed senator, a man in his forties with a belly so large it resembled that of a woman five months pregnant. He skeptically tapped his pen against the desk, eyeing the funding request in front of him. "General Huo, are you sure you're correct? As far as I know, the five military regions already cover the entire nation. Where exactly does your jurisdiction lie?"
"Oh, there's plenty," Huo Shaoheng responded confidently, picking up a laser pointer and turning to the massive electronic map behind him. With a smooth motion, he outlined the borders of their empire. "Anything beyond this line falls under the Sixth Military Region."
Stunned, the senators sat up straight, exchanging bewildered glances. "General Huo, surely you're mistaken? Those are foreign lands…"
"Exactly," Huo Shaoheng replied coolly, a faint, chilling smile flickering across his impassive face. "All lands outside our empire's borders are within the jurisdiction of the Sixth Military Region. We follow only our empire's laws and orders."
"Simply put, the Sixth Military Region handles everything the five main regions can't—but should. Like the Special Operations Division before us, we report solely to the Supreme Military Council, not the senate." He turned off the screen and stood tall, hands clasped firmly behind him, the very picture of disciplined military bearing.
There was a fierce aura about Huo Shaoheng, an air that only those who had witnessed large-scale bloodshed and repeatedly faced the brutal reality of battlefields could possess. Yet, Blue Star had been peaceful for over seventy years. Where had this young general acquired such a fearsome presence?
The senators buzzed among themselves, their whispers filling the hall as they grappled with the sudden revelation of this new military entity.
"In short," Huo Shaoheng continued, his voice clear and firm, "the Sixth Military Region inherits the mission of the Special Operations Division: protecting our citizens' interests worldwide. We may only have six primary members, but behind each stands thousands of supporting forces. Every operation demands significant resources, and as our actions increasingly overlap with other nations, an official military district becomes necessary."
After careful deliberation, the senators understood the implication—this was about safeguarding their rapidly expanding overseas interests. Soon, green lights signaling approval lit up in swift succession.
With ninety-eight votes in favor and two abstentions, the ten-year funding proposal for the Sixth Military Region passed successfully.
Huo Shaoheng, visibly relieved, snapped his heels together and saluted the senate sharply before leaving the assembly hall with confident strides.
Outside, his orderly immediately approached. "Sir, the Gray Shadow is ready on the helipad."
With a curt nod, Huo Shaoheng moved swiftly forward.
Female senate interns, overwhelmed with excitement yet not daring to approach, shouted from behind him, "General Huo, you're incredible!"
"General Huo, I'm your biggest fan! Do you have social media? Follow me back?"
Ignoring the clamorous admirers, Huo Shaoheng's expression remained icy as he stepped aboard the latest supersonic Bat-model fighter jet, the Gray Shadow. As the plane soared into the night, it created an ear-splitting sonic boom, leaving a trail of white vapor clouds behind, disappearing like a phantom.
Beside him, his orderly nervously monitored the rapidly changing skies, heart racing as flight data streamed live to an underground research facility. Technicians trembled in excitement as the jet's performance exceeded their highest expectations.
"Success!"
Jubilant cheers erupted as the Gray Shadow safely landed. Technicians celebrated with champagne, their excitement palpable.
Meanwhile, Huo Shaoheng quickly exited the jet, removing his helmet. He immediately activated his Bluetooth headset. "Contact Chen Lie."
"Chen Lie, how is she? Has Nianzhi improved?"
"General Huo! Thank goodness you're here," came Chen Lie's relieved voice. "Things aren't looking good. Hurry to the medical wing at base C."
Without hesitation, Huo Shaoheng moved quickly toward the medical facility.
"General Huo's back!"
"General Huo!"
Base personnel greeted him warmly, affectionately calling him "General Huo," a name they'd used since before his promotion—a name that felt familial.
Arriving swiftly on the second floor, he found Chen Lie, a round-faced young doctor sweating nervously.
"She's inside," Chen Lie gestured anxiously. "You're her guardian; only you can decide what to do."
Inside, Gu Nianzhi was tied up tightly, curled into a sofa corner, her consciousness muddled. Every sensation felt like delicate feathers brushing against her skin, igniting unbearable thirst and causing involuntary whimpers.
Huo Shaoheng stiffened at the sound of her helpless cries. Turning sharply to Chen Lie, he demanded icily, "What's going on? Didn't you give her the antidote?"