Chapter 403

Chapter 403: Strong Roots and Quality Buds

The teenager, filled with youthful energy, spoke with undeniable defiance.

The Major General never expected that his first call of a code name would be met with open opposition. Although he had great composure, he felt a bit awkward at the situation.

The young man’s unwillingness to back down wasn’t a flaw. The Major General had the authority to immediately eliminate anyone acting up. These elites, chosen out of thousands, were still given a fair chance out of concern for their futures.

Becoming an astronaut is not something anyone can casually achieve; even the most exceptional kings of soldiers and fighter aces may not qualify.

“Why is he number one? I disagree!” the questioning candidate shouted again, pointing at Lin Mo.

Lin Mo was somewhat shocked to see the young major’s gaze directed at him with clear provocation.

There’s a saying: “In literature, there is no first; in martial arts, there is no second.” This universal principle applies everywhere.

To have such an unwarranted misfortune on the first meeting was unexpected.

“What are you unhappy about?”

The Major General’s tone suddenly turned cold; Major Wang Xuejun’s actions bordered on being unreasonable.

As a soldier, obeying orders is paramount, and openly contradicting a superior shows great audacity.

“I have been around aircraft models since I was two years old and have never stopped training. I trained in winter and summer, aiming to become the best Fighter Pilot. I learned everything about fighter jets from the moment I could read, both in operation and flight theory. I piloted the J-6 for the first time at seventeen, racked up at least 500 hours of flight time each year, and participated in real combat missions. In terms of flight hours, I am not inferior to anyone; in terms of flying skills, I am not inferior to anyone. Why is he the number one?”

Major Wang Xuejun’s words drew murmurs of surprise from those around. He was indeed a fighter ace.

Starting with aircraft at two and flying at seventeen, boasting 500 hours of flying experience each year—it seemed as if he had been groomed as a fighter pilot from birth. What kind of family background did he have? His military experience couldn’t possibly be less than that of anyone present.

The Major General’s expression remained stern. He had reviewed the young man’s background and knew he spoke the truth without exaggeration.

At such a young age, he had already achieved the rank of major and was now nineteen years old. The son of a senior air force officer, his father served as a division commander, and his mother was an outstanding jet pilot—a typical pilot family, raised alongside the roar of fighter jet engines. With an IQ of 152, excellent physical evaluations, and sharp reflexes, his family background secured him a solid foundation in flying theory.

He had excelled in both sports and academics since childhood, rapidly advancing in school, and had enlisted in the military early. While his peers were stressing over college entrance exams, he already held a master’s degree. To call him a favored child of heaven would not be an understatement, yet he displayed such arrogance.

Ordinary citizens could never have such advantages; only a family of pilots could instill an understanding of flying from an early age.

With unparalleled family conditions and a foundation unimaginable to most, this young major had impressive reasons to feel proud.

“This guy seems to consider others as stepping stones to enhance his own image; how cunning of him to treat astronaut qualifications as a trophy to be won.”

Someone murmured quietly, clearly feeling a bit disgruntled.

Candidates who overheard exchanged glances; they were not fools and were, in fact, all intelligent elites. Even without direction, they quickly understood.

With strong wording in self-introduction, he revealed an aggressive aura, as if soaring alone like a proud eagle at thousands of meters.

The young major’s focus was squarely on Lin Mo, leaving a very deep first impression on everyone.

Though his approach seemed a bit reckless, he neither challenged the superior’s authority nor disguised his capabilities, clearly declaring to all: If I’m not No. 1, then who is?!

Others couldn’t help but agree that this guy deserved to be the number one.

This level of qualification was something even a forty-year-old experienced pilot might not possess. Nevertheless, he hinted to the training center that his youth represented boundless potential, even suggesting he could reach even greater heights.

It must be said that he succeeded; in an instant, many candidates looked at Wang Xuejun with changed expressions, no longer seeing him as an equal but instead with a sense of admiration and respect.

The Major General, whose face had grown cold, even showed a glimpse of interest. Background information is just paper; true talent lies in adapting and creating favorable conditions in the moment.

Only those who can shine under pressure are true steel.

The strong are respected, and the capable take the lead. This is one of the survival rules in the military.

Major Wang Xuejun’s words made him appear quite competitive in the eyes of everyone. If he could successfully win their approval, it would greatly increase his chances of passing future selections.

As some whispered in private, this young major needed a stepping stone, and that was the number one spot, not just targeting Lin Mo but implying that anyone who took that "number one" would face his sharp words.

However, Lin Mo sat cross-legged on the ground, calm and still, as if he were not the subject of the criticism, showing no signs of extra reaction.

The atmosphere turned quite strange; one was aggressive, while the other remained as calm as an ancient well, unfazed by the growing tension.

Wang Xuejun punched the air with all his might, feeling an unusual sense of resistance that left him uncomfortable. If only Lin Mo would say something, he could quickly leverage that to escalate the situation, suppressing Lin Mo’s confidence and forcing him to relinquish the number one title, thus solidifying his own superior place among the candidates.

Yet Lin Mo remained unresponsive, not even shifting his gaze. Just moments earlier, he had recognized the young lieutenant with a doll-like face known as “Tabby Cat,” Meng Yinan. She widened her eyes, initially furious but later filled with growing admiration for her leader.

The leader is the leader. No matter how strong Wang Xuejun is, Lin Mo remains calm like a gentle breeze over the mountains, and the bright moon shines over the great river.

Hearing whispers from others around her, Meng Yinan began to admire how the "Dragon Knight" Lin Mo responded with solid composure, completely neutralizing Wang Xuejun’s plans.

Even if Wang Xuejun intended to use Lin Mo as a stepping stone, if Lin Mo ignored him, how could he continue to put on a one-man show indefinitely?

Initially, one would expect a fierce debate or a display of qualifications, but to everyone’s surprise, the Major General witnessed the well-rooted young pilot deliver a spirited speech while Lin Mo, the main subject, remained completely unresponsive.

Was Lin Mo silence due to poor speaking skills or a disdain for Wang Xuejun’s challenge? With his calm demeanor, Lin Mo’s mental resilience impressed the Major General.

There was no need for the Major General to escalate the tension further. He continued, “Alright, my future favored child, I know you are excellent, but that doesn’t mean others are not. So I suggest you sit down. The code names assigned are unrelated to strength; they are merely decisions from above and cannot be changed. Training and selections have yet to truly begin. Do you think it’s meaningful to argue over such a title? Out of the sixty of you, only ten will remain. Please gather your spirits and give your all to this selection. Do not waste your energy on meaningless matters. If you want to earn everyone’s respect, showcase your full capabilities and prove you are number one.”

The Major General merely provided Wang Xuejun an exit, familiar with handling such situations. The elites who made it here were indeed chosen from tens of thousands.

Deep down, the Major General chuckled. The assigning of code names was indeed related to rankings, but he chose not to highlight that fact, to give everyone face.

Even if your parents are the best pilots, providing you with a favorable environment and resources to become equally skilled, that doesn’t mean you are better. If you two were to fight, who knows who would win?

The Major General kept these thoughts to himself.

Feeling exposed, Major Wang Xuejun shot Lin Mo an unsatisfied glare before slowly sitting down on the carpet.

Lin Mo didn’t follow the script Wang Xuejun had in mind, completely defying common reactions, which fueled Wang Xuejun’s anger.

Competition here was unavoidable, and it naturally offended someone, so it made sense to pick on those who appeared easier to bully. Wang Xuejun’s confidence inadvertently set him up with a formidable opponent.

“Number 2, Wang Xuejun.”

“Number 3, Shen Jinyu.”

“Number 4, Wei Yuni.”

“Number 5…”

With Lin Mo’s unbothered demeanor, the Major General was unwilling to create more conflict. After a few words, he successfully calmed Wang Xuejun down, resolving the sudden tension.

Upon hearing he was number two, Wang Xuejun felt somewhat dissatisfied and seemed ready to argue. However, he restrained himself and continued to listen quietly. He wasn’t a fool; in a military known for its obedience, there was no room for tolerance. His behavior today was already disrespectful, and if he overstepped again, he might not be kicked out, but it would mark him poorly in terms of mental resilience, shattering his dream of becoming an Astronaut.

Those speaking their minds captured the attention of other candidates, who silently recorded Wang Xuejun as either unpopular or a target to curry favor with.

Meanwhile, Lin Mo remained an enigma, prompting both admiration and caution among the others.