Chapter 360: Our journey is the sea of stars

Lu Yang continued: "I know what you were worried about before, what you feared, what you were confused about."

"Afraid of not adapting, afraid of not being able to swim, afraid that once we get there we'll no longer be ace, then gradually become mediocre, all the way to discharge."

"But I want to tell you, this is purely a cognitive bias, an illusory fear, excessive anxiety leading to wild imagination."

Everyone was staring at Lu Yang with very serious eyes.

Because these words hit them right in the heart.

When the navy was mentioned, they thought of swimming; and precisely because they couldn't swim, their inner unease kept being amplified.

Aside from a few newly assigned rookies, the vast majority of the Sixth Company are around twenty-five years old.

Veterans like Zhou Kaidong are even closer to thirty.

At this age, starting over, learning anew, the ability to accept new things is naturally not as good as that of younger people.

In other words, they worry on one hand that they can't swim, and on the other hand that once they get there they'll be outshone by a bunch of young navy recruits.

Just thinking that something like that might happen in the future makes everyone feel listless and anxious.

Lu Yang: "I ask you, what is most important in swimming?"

Everyone shook their heads, not knowing.

"It's technique, it's strength, it's lung capacity. You're just lacking technique, relying on strength—who can out‑endure us?"

"There are a few navy personnel who, after landing fully armed, can march forty‑three kilometers in just a few hours?"

"Likewise, once you've mastered a certain technique, what makes you think you'll be unable to outswim others in the water?"

"The better your physical condition, the better your cardiopulmonary function, the greater your lung capacity, the longer you can hold your breath underwater."

"With these two, wherever we are we can hold our own; not saying we'll be top‑rank, but staying in the upper middle isn't hard."

"So I really can't understand—you have such a solid foundation, such strong cardiopulmonary ability, and years of accumulated combat experience—what is there to fear?"

Lu Yang's sound, evidence‑based analysis left everyone feeling enlightened.

Even Ma Qing'an and He Zhen Tao felt a sudden clearing of confusion, a sudden enlightenment.

Clearly our own strength isn't weak, and even going to the navy we'd still be competitive, yet beforehand we kept overthinking things, imagining the worst.

After that, everyone's mood relaxed considerably, at least no longer scaring themselves.

"Not as good as those above, better than those below; even without comparing to others, just within the Special Third Regiment they'd still be among the best."

Lu Yang seized the moment: "Finally, I want to say: people can't always stay in their comfort zones; soldiering is the same, otherwise we'll surely stagnate."

"The recent drill was the best proof of that. And I only understood this truth after spending some time studying with the armed police."

"While we're young, going out, seeing more, learning more isn't a bad thing; it's itself a way of accumulating personal experience."

"And a new environment, new challenges, also mean more opportunities to perform and more chances."

He looked at Chen Panpan: "Maybe after joining the navy, you, Chen Panpan, will have a chance to become squad leader."

"Me?"

Chen Panpan pointed at herself foolishly, a bit flustered: "Me, I… can I do it?"

Lu Yang said solemnly: "What's impossible? We're all starting over, all learning new skills; if you learn quickly, you'll be given important roles!"

"By then, Liu Ziqiang and Sun Chen will salute you every day and shout 'Squad Leader!' every day."

Chen Panpan was thrilled: "Really? Hehe, hehehe!"

Liu Ziqiang and Sun Chen's eyes widened, and they instantly felt a sense of crisis.

The two of them haven't even sorted out who's superior yet—how could they let Chen Panpan, this unit of measurement, ride on their heads?

Lu Yang then looked at Kang Changyi: "You've always wanted to prove yourself, surpass me, haven't you? The opportunity is right before you—once in the navy we all start from scratch, each relying on our own ability."

"Maybe you'll become deputy company commander ahead of me, even company commander."

Kang Changyi laughed so hard he couldn't close his mouth: "Just being deputy company commander is fine, just being deputy company commander is fine—don't get your hopes too high, or you'll talk nonsense."

"Hahahaha......"

Many people laughed, and the atmosphere was no longer oppressive and gloomy.

Actually, earlier there had been rumors of transferring to the navy.

But nobody expected it to fall on themselves, and to come so quickly, so for a moment it was hard to accept.

But now, under Lu Yang's intervention, they gradually let go of their doubts, clarifying the new direction and the new character setup.

Lu Yang then looked at Zhang Jiaheng: "The number of army personnel transferring to the navy is huge; suddenly adding that many troops makes discipline a serious issue, and the local military police force also needs to be strengthened."

"You, do you understand what I mean?"

"Um."

Zhang Jiaheng nodded, his eyes also gaining a hint of anticipation.

"If I can return to the military police unit on the navy side, I'd be very willing."

"Most importantly, those past mishaps can be written off, and he can start anew under the name 'Jiaheng'."

Lu Yang's gaze swept over the entire Sixth Company again; on their faces he could no longer see the earlier confusion, tension, and unease.

In their place was a yearning for a new life and a hopeful anticipation of a new identity.

He turned his gaze to the company commander and the instructor, who both quietly gave him a thumbs‑up.

Although the matter came suddenly, it still managed to pull Lu Yang firmly back onto the right track.

That being the case, early preparation will let us adapt faster to the navy environment and be more competitive when we go there.

"Everyone, at ease, attention!"

Lu Yang also returned to the ranks and stood firm; Ma Qing'an let out a low roar.

Everyone instantly stood straight as a tall pine.

The entire unit's spirit and appearance were completely different from before.

"Once, we guarded this land!"

Our future endeavor is the stars and the sea!

Regardless of where we are or what color camouflage we wear, we must always serve the people and defend the homeland as our duty.

Yes!

Lu Yang stood in the ranks and shouted his response.

Their voices sent ripples across the river's surface, echoing in the mountains and forests long after.

This is utter nonsense!

At the division headquarters, in the staff office.

Xiong Yao angrily pounded the table, pointing at the two men standing before him.

Who allowed you to go to the iron footboard? Who gave you permission to do that?

They're already having a hard time with the reorganization; why go out of your way to stir up trouble at this crucial moment?

If this disrupts the Sixth Company's morale, causes problems, and hinders the navy's construction and development, who will be held responsible?

Report.

Lan Li stepped forward and said, 'It's not the battalion commander's fault; I advocated going. One person does the work, one person takes responsibility.'

Xiong Yao glared, stroking his beard: 'It takes two to clap; you both bear responsibility for this, and Yang Yong bears the main responsibility.'

He looked exasperated and said, 'Do you know? Lu Yang's affiliation issue is still undecided; the navy is also fiercely contesting it, and the division commander is so blocked by those people that he dare not come to division headquarters.'

I finally managed to get close to that kid and leave a good impression on him for our reconnaissance battalion; good grief, you're just pushing him away with this commotion.

Yang Yong's face looked like he'd eaten feces as he said, 'Chief of Staff, I didn't know about this; if I had, I definitely wouldn't have brought him here...'

Xiong Yao fumed, 'You're a leader, I'm a leader; for any important decision in the division, do I still have to report to you in advance? The division commander's chair is empty—do you want me to give you a seat?'

Failing to report or seek instructions shows a lack of organization and discipline; I think you've lost your mind!

「...... 」

Yang Yong was berated from head to toe, being cursed like a grandson.

Lan Li was also sprayed with spit halfway across his face; he wanted to wipe it off but dared not move.

Xiong Yao said: 'Also, the military police called—traffic violation; driving while smoking, not wearing a seatbelt.'

Yang Yong broke out in a cold sweat: '...'

Xiong Yao said: 'Multiple offenses will be punished together; tonight, you two must clean the reconnaissance battalion's dining hall, handling all trays and utensils.'

Tomorrow morning, each of you must write a 5,000-word self-criticism and submit it to my desk.

You must reflect deeply; no careless mistakes are allowed!

Yes...