Xu Qipeng looked at the soldiers standing down there and said, "Starting today, the Juncheng Military Base is officially separating from the central government."
He paused, observed the soldiers for a moment, and then added, "Those who still wish to serve the central government are free to leave. We will provide supplies for your journey to Shoudu City. Those who choose to stay will receive the same treatment as members of the First Army."
Seeing that everyone was silent, he finally said, "That concludes today's meeting. Dismissed."
After delivering the shocking news, Xu Qipeng left the hall with Xu Ruihan. As soon as the doors closed behind them, the soldiers began discussing the announcement among themselves.
One of the captains turned to Li Tianyu and asked, "Captain Li, what will you do now?"
Li Tianyu replied calmly, "My offer still stands. If anyone wishes to join me, meet me in the parking lot in an hour."
With that, Li Tianyu walked out of the training hall. Seeing their captain leave, Li Tianyu's subordinates quickly followed.
An hour later, Li Tianyu stood before four captains and over twenty thousand soldiers in the parking lot. Looking at them, he asked, "Are you sure you won't regret this?"
The captains nodded resolutely. One of them said, "It's better to control our own futures than to let others decide our lives and deaths."
After enduring over a year of natural disasters, the soldiers understood there was no longer a nation to serve. Instead of protecting ungrateful survivors or being used by those power- hungry people, they preferred to choose their own path, even if death was the end.
Seeing their determination, Li Tianyu said, "Good. I will inform Captain Long. Once preparations are complete, we will leave for our new home."
Hearing this, hope lit up the soldiers' faces. In unison, they replied, "Yes, Captain Li!"
After that, everyone dispersed to pack their belongings while Li Tianyu headed to his dormitory. Before leaving the Second Army's barracks, Li Tianyu changed out of his uniform and donned civilian clothes for the first time in many years.
Having completed his retirement process and returned his weapons and uniform, Li Tianyu carried his backpack and went to the parking lot. Seeing that there was still time left, Li Tianyu took out his satellite phone and called Long Yu.
After a few moments, Long Yu's hoarse and sleepy voice came through the satellite phone, "This is Long Yu."
"It seems I have disturbed your sleep, Captain Long," Li Tianyu said teasingly.
In the villa, Long Yu opened his eyes, glanced at the caller ID, and put the phone back to his ear. "You'd better have something important to say," he replied.
Li Tianyu chuckled and then asked, "Have you heard what happened in the Second Army?"
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