Chapter 138: Special Forces Training Invitation

The minor incident at the art gallery was like a pebble cast into a lake—its ripples faded without leaving much trace in Qin Feng's heart. Su Da and others were merely manifestations of vulgar desires, unworthy of even stirring his anger. But Liu Shiyin's unexpected appearance made him pay closer attention to Chuangsheng Technology and the possible Prometheus Foundation behind it.

The Search Operation and research team's work continued; the System remained in its Cooling Period. The weakening effect of Life Enhancement clung like a persistent parasite—though slowly recovering, it constantly reminded Qin Feng of his own weakness.

Just as he pondered how to accelerate his strength's recovery and improvement, an unexpected official invitation arrived directly at his hands through Qin Yuanwei's channel.

The inviting party was a highly classified Huaxia special forces unit specializing in overseas covert operations. They had taken notice of Shield Security's astonishing strength and professionalism in several operations—especially the Marseille rescue of Rose and the defeat of the Viper Group and Alpha teams—and wished to conduct a non-public, high-intensity joint training and combat exchange with Shield.

Officially framed as an exchange, it carried undertones of evaluation—and even… learning. After all, under Lei Zhan's leadership, Shield's training methods and equipment standards—partly thanks to Qin Feng's forward-thinking insights—had already led the world in certain areas.

When conveying the invitation, Qin Yuanwei's tone carried gravity: "Qin Feng, this is an opportunity. If you earn their recognition, it will greatly benefit you and Shield's future development, especially your foothold within Huaxia. Of course, risks exist—it's real combat, after all—and… they likely intend to probe Shield's true capabilities."

Qin Feng held the invitation letter—formally worded yet radiating iron-blooded resolve—and a flash of sharp light passed through his eyes.

Special Forces Training Invitation?

This truly is an opportunity!

Not just a chance to legitimize Shield and expand connections—but a perfect test and… forging of his current state!

Life Enhancement weakened, Fortune Dominion temporarily unusable, most System Mall functions disabled… he was in a relatively "weak" phase. But precisely this "weakness" might allow him to shed reliance on System abilities and more purely excavate and hone his innate potential and combat instincts!

Engaging in live combat against Huaxia's top special forces? Squeezing every ounce of potential under extreme conditions?

Merely imagining it made his blood—long dulled by diminished power—begin to simmer with excitement!

"Reply to them: we accept the invitation." Qin Feng gave the order to Chen Ming without hesitation, "Let them set the time, location, and format. Shield will send its most elite squad, led personally by Lei Zhan. Also…"

He paused, a sharp gleam flashing in his eyes: "Tell them I will participate personally."

"You'll participate personally?!" Chen Ming and Lei Zhan both reacted in shock.

That was a real special forces unit! The intensity and danger of their training and combat far exceeded Shield's regular drills! Boss may be formidable, but his status is precious—if anything happened…

"Director Qin, this is too dangerous! Let me lead the team…" Lei Zhan stepped forward immediately, his voice low and urgent.

Qin Feng waved a hand, cutting him off: "Precisely because it's dangerous, I must go."

He stood, stretching his stiffened limbs—sluggish from weakened power—his eyes burning with challenge:

"Comfort breeds no true champion. Only under extreme pressure can one shatter constraints and achieve breakthroughs."

"I… need this pressure right now."

Seeing Qin Feng's resolve, Lei Zhan and Chen Ming knew they could not change his mind. They bowed solemnly: "Yes! We'll prepare immediately!"

The response was swiftly relayed. The other side seemed surprised by Qin Feng's personal participation but said nothing, quickly finalizing details: training to be held at a top-secret comprehensive base in the Northwest, lasting two weeks, covering extreme physical conditioning, tactical coordination, urban counter-terrorism, wilderness survival, and small-scale live-fire engagements—all simulating real combat environments.

A week later, a twenty-man elite Shield squad, accompanied by Qin Feng himself, boarded a military-chartered aircraft and arrived at the base, surrounded by desert and mountains, radiating a chilling, martial aura.

The base commander, a middle-aged man with jet-black skin and hawk-like eyes, wearing the insignia of a Senior Colonel, personally greeted them. His call sign was "Mountain Eagle," the soul of this unit.

"Mr. Qin, long honored." Mountain Eagle gripped Qin Feng's hand firmly, the grip hard and military through and through. "Welcome to the Furnace. Here, there are no ranks—only warriors. I hope you can endure to the end."

His words were brief, yet carried an invisible pressure.

"We will not disappoint your expectations." Qin Feng replied calmly, his gaze equally sharp.

No further pleasantries. Training began immediately.

Day one: suffocating extreme physical conditioning—fifty-kilogram, fifty-kilometer cross-country run. The Gobi Desert blazed under a scorching sun, surface temperature exceeding fifty degrees. Shield members and base special forces were mixed into silent sardine-like rows, trudging painfully across the endless yellow expanse.

Qin Feng refused all special treatment, carrying the same weight, running among the ranks. Sweat streamed down like rivers, soaking his combat gear; his lungs burned, his legs felt leaden. The weakening of Life Enhancement made him feel several times the pressure and Pain compared to normal.

But he gritted his teeth, eyes locked on the horizon, step after step. His mind no longer dwelled on System abilities or commercial gains—only one primal thought remained: Move forward! Do not fall!

Lei Zhan ran closely beside him, his eyes filled with concern and admiration.

Day two: tactical coordination and urban CQB. In a simulated abandoned town, gunfire, explosions, and shouted commands echoed continuously. Qin Feng partnered with a base assault specialist, forming a temporary team to clear buildings of "enemies." Reaction speed, tactical awareness, trust—each was a test.

Day three: wilderness survival and deep-penetration behind enemy lines. Dropped into unfamiliar mountains with only basic gear, they had to complete assigned objectives within a time limit while evading enemy patrol searches. Hunger, thirst, cold, and the ever-present threat of "enemies"…

Each day was an extreme trial of body and will.

Qin Feng used no superhuman power (nor could he)—he endured entirely through his System-boosted baseline, Lei Zhan's combat techniques, and his own unyielding will.

He even demonstrated, in certain areas like sniper concealment and tactical command, a level of talent and insight that drew surprised glances from Mountain Eagle.

The two weeks passed swiftly—in sweat, exhaustion, occasional injuries, and the exhilaration of repeatedly breaking limits.

When the training ended with a whistle, all were as if they'd shed a layer of skin—but their eyes were sharper, steadier than when they arrived.

At the farewell ceremony, Mountain Eagle looked at Qin Feng, standing at the front of the Shield squad, weary yet still standing tall, and his eyes revealed unhidden admiration.

He stepped forward and extended his hand again—this time with greater weight.

"Mr. Qin, I'm impressed! Your Shield… lives up to its reputation!"

This time, his address was no longer the formal "Mr. Qin"—but the approving "you."

Qin Feng gripped his hand firmly, a rare, relaxed smile appearing on his face:

"Likewise. This training has been immensely valuable."

The military aircraft, carrying the fully enriched Shield squad, departed the "Furnace" that had forged their will and skills.

Inside the cabin, Qin Feng leaned back, feeling the faint but growing, denser power surging deep within his body—and signs that Life Enhancement was beginning to recover—and a faint smile curled his lips.

Did he lose?

No.

This Special Forces Training, he gained far more than he gave.

Not only did Shield gain official recognition and invaluable combat experience.

More importantly, he had personally confirmed: even in this "weak" phase without System aid, Qin Feng remained a tiger not to be underestimated…

And this was only the beginning.